Religion briefs 7/9/05

Calendar

Today

Gospel singing at 7 p.m. at Shiloh Baptist Church in Villa Ridge, Ill., with the Gloryroad Travelers of Mounds, Ill. For information, call (618) 995-2306.

Sunday

Trinity Lutheran Church will kick off its vacation Bible school with a supper meal at 5 p.m. in the assembly room at the school, 55 N. Pacific St. The "Safari Adventure" is open to children ages 3 to fifth grade and is from 6 to 8:30 p.m. through Thursday.

Grace United Methodist Church continues to celebrate its sesquicentennial with an afternoon at the park. The church will gather at the Grace Fair Pavilion at 2 p.m. at Arena Park. Homemade ice cream will be served to the sounds of a German band. Activities will include horseshoe and washer tossing games.

Monday

St. Andrew Lutheran Church begins its "Serengeti Trek" vacation Bible school from 8 a.m. to noon. The program runs daily through Friday. Registration is accepted for children ages 3 through those in fifth grade.

Friday

There will be a CROP sale and luncheon from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Centenary United Methodist Church Family Life Center. Sale benefits scholarship funds. A lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Briefly

VBS programs at area churches ready to kick off

• Hanover Lutheran Church will hold a "Summer Splash" kickoff Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. for children interested in attending vacation Bible school. The "Serengeti Trek" Bible school program is July 17 to 21 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. A meal is served at 5 p.m., and a collection will be taken to help defray costs.

* Emanuel United Church of Christ in Jackson will hold its "Kingdom of the Son -- a prayer safari" vacation Bible school from 6 to 8:30 p.m. July 25 to 29.

Gideons program at Hobbs Chapel July 17

Larry Hanning will present a program on behalf of the Gideons during the 9 a.m. worship service July 17 at Hobbs Chapel United Methodist Church. The Gideons distribute Bibles and New Testaments in more than 170 countries. An offering will be collected to help the ministry.

Vincentian Marian Youth to meet at grotto

The next meeting of the Vincentian Marian Youth group will be at 6 p.m. July 17 in Perryville, Mo. The group will meet at the grotto on the grounds of the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. Chairs or blankets for seating are necessary.

Praise concert planned at Anna Heights church

Anna Heights Baptist Church will present Jerome Greene and the Voices of Triumph in concert at 7 p.m. on July 16. For information, call (618) 833-5916.

-- From staff reports