Church Briefs

Ramsey series under way at Parkview

The final introductory meeting for Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University series will be held this Sunday at 6 p.m. at Parkview Free Methodist Church in Vandalia.
The 13-week series will be held at 6 p.m. Sundays at the church. Last week's introductory meeting and this week's first meeting are free and open to the public. The series is part of a national campaign called “The Great Recovery.”
The average participating family pays off $5,300 in debt and saves $2,700 during the course.
For more information, contact the church at 283-0799.

Garrison book signing Sunday at FBC

The Rev. Wendell Garrison, a former interim pastor at First Baptist Church in Vandalia, will return to the church to conduct a book signing for his new devotional book this Sunday from 2-5 p.m.
Titled “Creekside Trail,” the book contains 365 daily devotional messages from the Gospel of Luke.
“I like Luke’s compassion for 'little people' – the vulnerable and powerless ones such as the poor, lepers, tax collectors, Samaritans, women, children, irreligious folks, prostitutes and all kinds of folks rejected by the religious establishment,” Garrison said.
A native of Zion, he served as a pastor from 1954 until his retirement in 1999. In his retirement, he has had eight interim pastorates.

Lutheran women rally next Wednesday

"Being with Jesus – Being in Christ" will be the theme of this year's fall rally of the Altamont Zone of the Lutheran Women's Missionary League – Central Illinois District.
Opening devotions will begin at 10 a.m. next Wednesday, with the Rev. David Hoehler. He will be followed by the main speaker of the day, the Rev. Terry Strom of Urbana. He will be speaking on his mission trips to New Orleans, Guatemala and Haiti.
Zone President Amy Meseke will conduct the business meeting and Zone Vice President Millie Schroeder will direct a Christian life  program based on the rally theme.
The Lutheran Women's Missionary League is a recognized service organization of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod.

Jump For Joel Marathon is Sept. 24

Plans are under way for this year's running of the third annual Jump For Joel Marathon in St. Elmo at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24.
The race, which allows participants to run, bike or walk (or a combination of the three) for 26.2 miles, is used to support the organization's effort to purchase food for more than 100 children at Gathiga Children's Hope Home in Gathiga, Kenya.
The event is organized by Lindsay Lash and Shana Stine. Registration fee is $26.20
"We've had a difficult time keeping up with the needs at GCHH recently," Lash said. "In particular, the food prices have skyrocketed with the shortage of corn in Kenya, and we're finding it increasingly difficult to feed the 106 children there."
For more information, call Lash at 292-0984. Stine can be reached at [email protected].
 
First Presbyterian schedule changes

First Presbyterian Church of Vandalia resumed its regular worship schedule with a Fall Kickoff on Sunday, Sept. 11.
Sunday School for all ages is now at 9 a.m. and the worship service is now at 10:30 a.m.

Chicken dinner, fall festival is Oct. 2

Mother of Dolors Catholic Church in Vandalia will host its annual chicken dinner and fall festival on Sunday, Oct. 2, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Parish Center. The Parish Center is located at 705 W. St. Clair St.
Included in the event are a country store and a raffle.
Adults (ages 12 and up) are $8, children (ages 5-11) are $4 and children ages 4 and under are free. The meal features homemade noodles. Carryouts are available. To order, call 283-0751.