Religion briefs 8/7

Lutheran group presents Faith in Action awards

The Lutheran Family and Children's Services recently presented its Faith in Action and community service awards. The "Faith in Action" award was presented to the Rev. Earl Weis, who has been a Lutheran minister for 60 years, serving nine years in Sikeston, Mo., and almost 20 years in Jackson. He also has been active in community organizations and advisory boards, including the board for LFCS. In 1971, he worked alongside several other pastors to help establish an office for LFCS. He was the inaugural speaker for the Walter J. Keisker dinner, which has been renamed the Faith in Action dinner. A community service award was presented to Dennis Marchi. He was recognized for his service to the United Way of Southeast Missouri, the Salvation Army, Saint Francis Medical Center, Southeast Missouri University Foundation and First National Bank. He also has served on other community boards and received honors for his work. March is a member of Immaculate Conception Parish in Jackson. His contribution to the Lutheran Family and Children's Services has come not only from his community involvement but from his support for the Hope Fore Families annual golf tournament. As manager of Schnucks, Marchi donates the food for the tournament luncheon.

Lynwood Baptist to offer course on finances

Lynwood Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau will offer an introductory course at 7 p.m. Aug. 15 for its study of the "Financial Peace University." For information about the course, which teaches Christians how to best use their resources, contact the church at 334-4600.

Minister to speak at Christ Church Wednesday

The Rev. Damon Thompson will speak at Christ Church of the Heartland Wednesday to Friday. Services are at 7 p.m. nightly. Thompson has been a special guest on the Trinity Broadcasting Network. For information, phone the church at 334-7726.

Gospel singing service at Bald Knob Cross of Peace

ALTO PASS, Ill. -- The Bald Knob Cross of Peace will hold a gospel singing service at 7 p.m. Friday, featuring area talent. Free will offerings will be accepted to help pay for the welcome center's new addition.

New executive director named to La Croix

Dr. Dan Steska has been named the executive director at La Croix United Methodist Church. In the newly created staff position, Steska will oversee the day-to-day management and operational needs of the church, as well as the strategic planning process. He will also develop and enhance La Croix's community relations. Steska was formerly the superintendent for the Cape Girardeau School District and served the past two years in a similar post for the Bloomington-Normal, Ill., school system. He and his wife, Sarah, have four children and two grandchildren.

Gordonville church to be featured in film

Zion United Methodist Church in Gordonville has been selected as a featured church for a denominational presentation on leadership. The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection offers a leadership institute for pastors and congregations, and Zion has been chosen as a featured congregation for the presentation. A film crew will visit the church Aug. 15. The leadership institute will be held Sept. 30 to Oct. 2.

Jamaican Medical Team planning dance/auction

The Jamaican Christian Medical Mission Team is collecting items for its fourth annual dinner/dance auction. A fourth trip to Carron Hall, Jamaica's poorest region, is being planned for March. The auction is set for Oct. 9 at the Arena Building, and items are being accepted now for donations. The team of volunteers doesn't get paid for its work in the medical clinics, and each member pays the airfare necessary for travel. For information, call Evangelical United Church of Christ at 335-5611.

Kenyan nun to visit area churches, clubs

Sister Mary Christopher Chinedum Ibegwam will visit Cape Girardeau next week to speak at area churches, civic clubs and Rotary Club meetings. She works with the homeless in Minneapolis, Minn. She previously worked with the Christian Hospital in Kenya, Africa. Her visit hosts are Dr. Dan B. and Polly Cotner, who worked with her during Rotary trips to Kenya in 1998. She has been serving recently at the Immaculate Heart Convent in Minneapolis. During her visit, she will speak at churches and to civic clubs. She is scheduled to speak at 10:30 a.m. at Chateau Girardeau in the assisted living center and at 9 a.m. Aug. 22 at First Presbyterian Church.

Region's youths attend summer camp event

Youths from the Seventh-Day Adventist churches in Sikeston, Mo., and Perryville, Mo., will be attending a camping event Tuesday through Thursday in Oshkosh, Wis. Youth in the Pathfinders clubs from churches all across the country will attend the "Faith on Fire" camporee event. More than 30,000 youths and leaders are expected. The Sikeston Soldiers club and Perryville Polar Bears club are attending. In addition to a camping and outdoors adventure, the event includes a community service project.

Mud Olympics for youths coming to La Croix

La Croix United Methodist Church is holding its annual Mud Olympics for youths in grades 7 to 12 from 2:30 to 5 p.m. Aug. 15. Registration is at 2 p.m. For information, call 339-0302.

-- From staff reports