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St. Mary Roman Catholic ChurchLocated at 94 Walnut Road in Tilden Township. Visit our website at www.rc.net/allentown/stmaryhamb. Daily schedule: Eucharistic devotions on Monday at 7 p.m.; Masses on Tuesday at 7 p.m. and Wednesday through Friday at 9 a.m. Weekend Masses on Saturday at 4:30 p.m., and Sunday at 8 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.. Reconciliation every Saturday from 3:45-4:15 p.m., Sundays 7:30-7:45 a.m. and before each daily Mass. Upcoming activities include:

Feb. 18: Ash Wednesday Masses at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Feb. 19: Healthy Steps in Motion senior aerobics and fitness class, 9:30 a.m.

Feb. 19: Community Lenten Series, 11:30 a.m., “Grace: Finding a New Heart”, at St. Mary Church, Service of Prayer and Soup Lunch

Feb. 19: Holy Name Society meeting

Feb. 20, Friday: 6 p.m. Eucharistic Adoration; 6:30 p.m. Divine Mercy; 7 p.m. Stations of the Cross

Feb. 22: 9 a.m., PREP Religious Education classes

Feb. 22: Parish Council meeting, 12 p.m.

Feb. 23: Healthy Steps in Motion senior aerobics and fitness class, 9:30 a.m.

Feb. 24: 6 p.m. Adoration; 6:45 p.m. Confessions; 7 p.m. Mass

Feb. 24: 7:30 p.m., Rediscover Catholicism Book Study, We Become What We Celebrate

NORTHERN BERKS MINISTERIUM The Community Lenten Series will be held on Thursdays from Feb. 19 though March 19. The theme for the series is “Close Encounters of Grace that Free Us.” Gatherings will be held each Thursday in Lent at 11:30 a.m. at a different area church. Gatherings will include a service of prayer, reflection, and conclude with a soup and bread lunch. A freewill offering will be taken in support of the Ministerium’s emergency response outreach ministry. All are welcome.

Feb. 19: “Grace: Finding a New Heart,” at St. Mary Roman Catholic Church, 94 Walnut Road, Tilden Township

Feb. 26: “Grace: Finding New Life,” St. Paul “Smoke” Lutheran, 2613 Old 22, Windsor Twp.

Salem E.C. ChurchAt 2150 Old 22, Lenhartsville.

This week at Salem Church: Our Coffee Fellowship was at 8:30 a.m. Our Worship Service was at 9 a.m. followed by Sunday School for all ages at 10:30 a.m. Pastor Dave Long presented an inspiring message based on God’s Word. Our greeters were June Weiskircher and Pat Hummel. Our nursery attendant was Linda Wood, & our Junior Church leader was Kolleen Long.

Upcoming Events: Please call us for dates & times for our Bible studies, and Men’s & Women’s groups. MOPS is Feb. 27 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Our Sportsmen’s Banquet is Saturday, March 7. “Shop ’til you drop” at our 16th Annual Yard Sale on March 13 & 14.

Please feel welcome to come and join us at any time. For more information on Salem church and our events you can visit us on the web at www.facebook.com/wearesalem or call the church office at 610-562-5033.

Salem-Berne United Methodist Church

Join us Feb. 22 for Morning Worship at 10:15 a.m. Sunday School is at 9 a.m. The Liturgist is Jamie Noon and the Greeters are Donald and Jane Francis.

The Children’s Message will be given by Neil Shea and the Acolyte is Tabitha Samsel. Rubies (Women) will meet Feb. 17 at 6:30 p.m., also Jr. Choir meets the same time.

Movie Night will be Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. at Kleinfelter’s. Intercultural Communications meets Saturday, Feb. 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Fredericksburg United Methodist Church.

The Bridge Church (TBC)At 3561 Old 22, would like to extend an invitation to the following:

The Bridge Church Sunday Morning Worship Service times are at 9 a.m. & 11 a.m. All of our Bridge Street Kid’s Ministries meet downstairs where you will be able to check-in your child before each service begins. Bridge Street Kid’s Ministries range in ages from 0 thru 4th Grade.

On Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m., we host Family night. Nursery care, Royal Rangers and M’Pact Girls Clubs (K-4th) are downstairs. 56 Club for all students in 5th-6th grades and Momentum Youth meets in the TBC Youth Room for students in 7th through 12th grade. Our adult life group classes continue tonight, Wednesday, Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. The classes being offered are as follows: Divorce Care Support Group: a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences (there is a cost for class materials). Follow: a discipleship class (there is a cost for class materials), The Daniel Plan: a health and finance class (there is a cost for class materials), and The School of Tyrannus: an open Bible Study (free). Call our church office at 610-562-2972 for more information.

We have two other support groups beginning Tuesday, March 3 at 7 p.m. Surrendering the Secret is an abortion recovery class that will meet for eight weeks. This Bible study is designed for women who are struggling with the pain associated with a past abortion experience. There is a cost of materials for the class. Grief Share is also being offered that night, and there is a cost for class materials. Grief Share is a grief recovery support group for anyone who has recently lost a loved one. Grief Share is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. Don’t go through the challenge of loss alone. These support groups are led by people who understand what you are going through and want to help. You’ll gain access to valuable resources to help you deal with the pain and look forward to tomorrow.

Are you struggling with depression, addiction and are needing something more? Join Celebrate Recovery that meets on Monday Evenings at 7 p.m. Celebrate Recovery is a 12-step Recovery program where people gain freedom, healing, and accountability for life’s hurts, habits, and hang-ups. By applying the 8 Recovery Principles within the 12-step program, we open ourselves up to God’s grace so that we can break free. We also open the door to recovery by sharing our experiences and hopes with one another. Celebrate Recovery is open to men and women ages 18+. It’s not just for people struggling with substance abuse. This program is for anyone who feels like their life is out of control and is looking for a safe place to deal with a “hurt, habit, or hang-up.” Walk-ins welcome anytime! If you have any questions about this ministry, we welcome you to call Lisa Schappell at 610-562-2972 x.200 or email connect@hamburgbridge.com.

If you would like to listen to Pastor Mark’s Sunday morning sermons, please go to our website at www.hamburgbridge.com.

Visit our website at www.hamburgbridge.com or call 610-562-2972 for more information and service/class details.

Zion’s Lutheran Church, Perry Twp.

The season of Lent begins today with Ash Wednesday worship services at 11:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. This Sunday, Feb. 22 is the First Sunday in Lent, with worship at 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. During Lent, members are filling a PIG offering box benefiting ELCA Good Gifts. The filled boxes are to be returned on Palm Sunday, March 29. During Sunday School, beginning at 9:15 a.m., Pastor Bruce leads a six week study of The Gospel of Mark. Pick up a copy of the Lenten devotional “Living the Gospel Life: Daily Devotions for Christians on a Mission.” The newly elected 2015 congregational officers are: President- Jim Hirko, Vice President- Brian Moroney, and Secretary- Tiffany Gruber. Members are asked to support member Carissa Miller’s Hearts for Honduras Mission trip by eating at Hoss’ Steakhouse in Leesport on Sunday, February and using the church’s coupon.

Salem Belleman’s ChurchOn Sunday, Feb. 15, Salem Belleman’s Church, 3540 Belleman’s Church Road, Mohrsville, celebrated Transfiguration Sunday at the regular Worship times of 7:45 and 10:15 a.m. The musician for the early service was Cheryl Felix while Linda Hartman, The Director of Music Ministry, played for the second service. The scripture readings for the services were 2 Kings 2:1-12 and 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 which were read by John Lewis at the early service and by Alyse Mitten at the late service. Also, the Gospel reading was from Mark 9:2-9.

The Belleman’s Mission Teams will be holding their popular Sandwich Sale on Thursday, Feb. 26. The 10″ (ham, Italian or turkey) sandwiches will be available for pick-up and payment at the Belleman’s Fellowship Hall from 4 p.m. till 6 p.m. (Feb. 26). Please call the church office (610-926-0461) to order.

Please visit our website for more information about Belleman’s, www.bellemanschurch.org.

Salem United Methodist Church Shoemakersville

Welcome to the corner of Sixth and Main Streets in Shoemakersville for our 9 a.m. worship service. The morning scripture is Amos 7:7-17. The pastor’s sermon, “Who is My Neighbor?” is based on Luke 10:25-37. Karen Kershner has the Children’s Message. We will be handing out the offering boxes for our White Cross offering. This special sacrificial offering benefits missions.

Wednesday, Feb. 25, the Lenten service will be at Salem-Berne UMC. Rev. Walter Breiner’s theme is The Two Thieves. The evening begins with a bread and soup meal at 6 p.m. The service is at 7 p.m.

On March 1, the Youth Mission Team is having an All-You-Can-Eat French Toast & Pancake Breakfast at Salem from 11:30 a.m. -1 p.m. This fund-raiser will help them get to Accident, MD this summer on their mission trip.

The Prayer Shawl Ministry will meet on Tuesday, Feb. 24, at 6 p.m. Be sure to fill out a request card if you want a prayer shawl so that we have a record of all shawls given out.

March 8 is Girl Scout Sunday. The troop that meets at Salem will join with us for worship this morning.

The annual women’s retreat is March 13-15 at Pocono Plateau. The theme is Garden Getaway. All women are invited. There are some scholarships available, see Karen Kershner for info.

The next Youth Club meeting is March 22, 6-7:30 p.m. at Salem-Berne. The theme is Lent.

To contact us: church phone is 610-562-4345; Pastor’s phone is 484-529-9227.

Email: rlhostetter@gmail.comGod has NOT called you to “Fit in” I Peter 2:9

St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

At 99 Church Street, Hamburg, would like to extend an invitation to anyone who would like to join us at 10:15 a.m. services on Sundays. Come and join us.

On Transfiguration of Our Lord The Flowers are presented to the glory of God in Loving memory of Larry Hinderliter on his birthday, Feb. 16, by his mother, Phelma Hinderliter and family.

The Flowers on the pedestal table are presented to the Glory of God in loving memory of Bonnie Bowers on the 53rd anniversary of her birthday, Feb. 15, by her daughter, Becky and her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Chester Epting.

The newsletter is on our new website www.stjohnshamburg.org. We will not be doing a massive mailing. Please notify the office if you need a hard copy. Copies of the Newsletter will be available in the rear of the Church.

Weather Cancellations – In case of severe weather, which requires the cancellation of services or activities, you may call the Church at 610-562-3808 and you will be told of such cancellations or you may find that information at the following locations: WFMZ TV Channel 69 or go to www.wfmz.com/worshipclose.

We are looking for church members who would be interested in helping with the safety committee. Committee meets the third Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. Anyone interested, please see or call Karen Stoudt at 610-334-6147. Thank you.

ATTENTION USHERSThere was a short meeting after church service on Feb. 15 for all ushers to discuss usher duties and schedules. Any questions or unable to attend, please feel free to call Karen Stoudt 610-334-6147. Thank you for taking your time to help usher at St. John’s.

St. John’s Night at the Reading Royals: Sunday, March 15, 5:05 p.m. Game Time. There is a cost. Free parking and $1 hotdogs, popcorn, soda, and nachos. Everyone is invited to this event. See Lydia Beck for more information and to reserve tickets. Deadline for payment is March 8.

Thrivent Action Teams: Any member of Thrivent can sponsor an Action Team. Each team receives $250 for their cause. Please consider sponsoring Action Teams to benefit the ministries at St. John’s as well as those that we can support in the community. We are looking for members who would be interested in sponsoring an Action team as part of Day Camp, Vacation Bible School, or Youth Lounge Project. Contact Lydia Beck if interested.

Laurel Center: Bingo Night – Sunday, March 1. Meet at the Laurel Center at 6:45 p.m. to help residents play Bingo and distribute prizes, courtesy of a Thrivent Action Team.

2015 World Day of Prayer is Friday, March 6 at 7 p.m. Hosted by: St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. Jesus said, “Do you understand what I have done for you.” Program written by the women of the Bahamas. For more information see Judy Levermore or visit St. John’s Lutheran Church Website http://stjohnshamburg.org/. Please plan on joining us for this Day of Prayer. ALL are welcome!

Sunday, Feb. 22 is First Sunday in Lent. Worship Service will be at 10:15 a.m. The next Saturday Night Communion Service will be on March 7 at 5:30 p.m.

St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran “Smoke” Church

St. Paul’s invites you join us every Sunday morning at 9 a.m. Our Pastor it The Rev. Elna Stratton and our choir director/organist is Donald Ryan. Following the church service we have a fellowship time with refreshments. Sunday School for all ages starts at 10:15 a.m. Our Adult Sunday School Class is a Bible discussion group. We study and discuss the Holy Gospel for the day. Please feel welcome to join us. Holy Communion will be observed on Sunday Feb. 22 at 9 a.m. Ash Wednesday service will be held at our church on Weds. Feb. 18 at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend. St. Paul’s will host the Northern Berks Ministerium community Lenten service on Thursday, Feb. 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This includes soup and bread. We will be making Easter candy starting March 2. We will have coconut, peanut butter and peanut clusters with choice of light or dark chocolate. For more information or to order please call Aveline Stees at 610-562-4204. The acolyte for Feb. 22 is Elaina Koller, the lector is Shelby Bashore and the greeters are Richard and Patsy Adams.

St. Thomas ChurchThe altar flowers were presented in honor of the 96th birthday of Lydia Haag by her family. The Guild Meeting will be held on Feb. 24 at 2 p.m. The program will be a video of ladies making apple dumplings in the old church kitchen. Boy Scout Troop 522 will sponsor a Family Skating Party on March 1 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Fantasy Skating Center.

Evangelical Lutheran Friedens Church

Ash Wednesday Service will take place on Feb. 18 at 7 p.m. Worship Service and Holy Communion will be observed on Feb. 22 at 10:30 p.m.