Church Briefs

Living Way of the Cross is Wednesday
The youth of Mother of Dolors Catholic Church in Vandalia invite the public to join them in praying "The Living Way of the Cross" next Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the church.
The path of Jesus' suffering and death will be dramatized, with responses and a familiar hymn after each station.
The "Via Delorosa" or "Sorrowful Way" is a centuries-old commemoration of the work of salvation that Jesus accomplished through his suffering and death.
 
First Church of God hosts Trevor Thomas
Trevor Thomas, known as "Mr. Drama," will appear at First Church of God in Vandalia next Friday, April 15, at 7 p.m.
His programs combine music, monologues, poems, sketches and mime.
The church is located at 3001 Thrill Hill Road northwest of Vandalia, just off of Ill. Route 185.
For more information, call the Rev. Tom Farris at 282-1718.

Burvall to speak at April 13 luncheon
Carl Burvall of the Association of Christian Truckers will be the speaker for the April 13 Lenten Luncheon at First United Methodist Church.
The program runs from noon to 1 p.m. at the church, which is located at 127 N. Fourth St. The meal will be in Wesley Hall, which can be accessed from the back parking lot.
For more information, call the church at 283-3684.
 
Overcup revival runs through Saturday
A spring revival began this Wednesday and will continue each night through Saturday at Overcup Baptist Church in rural Bluff City.
Speaker during the revival will be the Rev. Jay Huddleston, pastor at Herrick Baptist Church.
The pastor at Overcup Baptist Church is Doug Wodtka.
Local 'Day of Prayer' activities set
The Vandalia Ministerial Alliance will sponsor its annual National Day of Prayer breakfast on Thursday, May 5.
The event, which runs from 7-8 a.m., will be held at the Crawford-Hale American Legion Home in Vandalia. Speaker for the event will be Dave Bell, publisher of The Leader-Union. Marla Ainscough will provide the music, and Dr. Kevin Childers will serve as emcee for the breakfast.
The theme for the day will be "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God," which parallels the theme for the national day of prayer, which is organized by Shirley Dobson.
Locally, the Rev. Roger Grimmett of First United Methodist Church is chairman of the event, with several local pastors and lay representatives serving on a steering committee.
Tickets for the breakfast are $5 each, and are available by calling First United Methodist Church at 283-3684.
As was done last year, this year's local observance will include activities on the days leading up to the national day of prayer. Events planned include:
• Sunday, May 1, from 6-7 p.m. – Community worship service on the grounds of the Vandalia Statehouse to kick off the week. The Rev. Carl Rhodes will give a brief message, and a time of prayer for the upcoming week's activities will be held.
• Monday, May 2, 7:45-8 a.m. – Prayer at Vandalia City Hall.
• Tuesday, May 3, 7:45-8 a.m. – Prayer at Vandalia Community High School gymnasium.
• Wednesday, May 4, 7:45-8 a.m. – Prayer at Fayette County Courthouse.
• Thursday, May 5, 7-8 a.m. – National Day of Prayer Breakfast at the Crawford-Hale American Legion Home in Vandalia.
After the breakfast on Thursday, a prayer time will be held at 9 a.m. for residents at Fayette County Hospital Long Term Care. It will be led by the Rev. Joe Lawson.
In addition, the Association of Christian Truckers ministry (located at the Brownstown exit of Interstate 70) will be open for prayer all week from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.