Religion briefs 7/19

Cape Methodist VBS program set for August

Maple United Methodist Church will hold its vacation Bible school Aug. 4 to 7. Registration deadline is July 27.

The theme is "SCUBA" and includes a meal at 5:30 p.m. and the program from 6 to 8:30 p.m. each evening.

For information, or to register, contact the church office at 335-6890.

Guest speaker to talk on Russian church growth

Mike Stallion will speak about the growth in Russian churches during a presentation at 6 p.m. July 27 at First General Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau.

Stallion is a member of La Croix United Methodist Church.

Ex-missionary Noble receives gifts for goods

Jennifer Noble, a former missionary to New Zealand now living in Cape Girardeau, has received enough donations to send for a crate of goods that had been in storage for the past decade.

Noble and her family returned to the United States in 1993 after serving as self-supported missionaries. Though the family returned, there wasn't sufficient resources to ship their belongings home. Their belongings were held in storage for 10 years, but recently Noble learned that the items were going to be sold at auction.

With donations from churches and individuals, the $5,000 needed to ship the crate to the United States was collected. Churches from Cape Girardeau, Scott City and St. Louis contributed to the fund. All donations were tax deductible.

"We're very grateful," Noble said. "The kids are just ecstatic."

The crate contains childhood dolls and family heirlooms, as well as a library of school books.

Though Noble is thrilled to be receiving her goods back, "the most amazing thing was the cards and notes we got from people we didn't even know. It was such a community effort."

Noble wired money to the storage firm in Auckland, New Zealand, Tuesday and received confirmation Friday that the crate would be shipped. She doesn't know yet when it will arrive in the states.

Video seminar to begin in Scott City church

Father's Arms Fellowship in Scott City is host for a video seminar for step-families each Sunday evening at 6 p.m.

The program "How to Have a Successful Step Family" will run for four consecutive weeks and will be taught by Opal and Webster Eaker. The seminar is free.

For information, contact the church at 264-4233.

Women's luncheon planned at Cape church

Greater Dimension Church of God will be host for a women's luncheon from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 26. A special guest speaker and music is planned.

Tickets are $10. For information, call 334-0616.

New assignments given for priests in region

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau recently announced new assignments for priests in the region. The new appointments take effect Aug. 13.

The Rev. David J. Dohogne will become pastor of Sacred Heart parish in Dexter and St. Joseph parish in Advance. He previously served asd pastor of St. Benedict parish in Doniphan and its mission in Grandin.

The Rev. Thomas P. Kiefer will become pastor of St. Mary's Cathedral parish. He previously was pastor at St. Agnes Cathedral parish in Springfield.

The Rev. Derek Swanson, a newly ordained priest with the Vincentian order, will be associate pastor of St. Vincent de Paul parish in Cape Girardeau.

Gospel singing Hinsons come to Cape Girardeau

The gospel group The New Hinsons will perform at 6 p.m. Aug. 2 at Cornerstone Church in Cape Girardeau. There is no admission charge, but an offering will be collected. For information, phone the church at 335-4456.

VBS comes to Cape Church of Christ

The Cape Church of Christ will hold its vacation Bible school from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. July 26. A pizza lunch will be served. The theme is "How God reaches us." To register or for information, call 335-4619.

-- From staff reports