Churches

Release Time Weekday Christian Education will begin in Bluffton the week of Sept. 13.

Every student needs a parent-signed release form to attend Release Time in Bluffton schools, according to Kay Miller of the program.

"If your child attended last year we already have the needed release form," she said. "For new students RT forms can be found in the elementary and middle school offices or at the school open house."

English Lutheran Church will kick-off its fall Sunday School program on Sunday, Sept. 12, according to Rev. Kevin Mohr, pastor.

Worship will be at 9 a.m. followed by a combined inter-generational Sunday school celebration at 10:15 a.m. The theme for this year's event is "Good News Clues: Discover Jesus!"

Two community meals are planned for September by the Bluffton Area Ministerial Association. The meals, open to the public, are Thursday, Sept. 2, and Thursday, Sept. 16. 

Both meals are held at the Bluffton Senior Citizens Center and are hosted by different congregations in the community. The meals begin at 6 p.m. Donations are accepted and assist the Bluffton Community Assistance Program food pantry.

Bluffton Baptist Church invites the community to its annual AWANA carnival from 6:45 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 1. The event includes free popcorn, snow cones, games and lots of other family-oriented activities.

Games include Plinko, spin-a-prize, puppet throw, driving range, Safari bowling, feed cubbie, roll-a-score and pen knock down.

The church is located at 345 County Line Road, Bluffton. The event is free and open to the public.

The Bluffton English Lutheran Church will hold a community garage sale this weekend. All proceeds benefit the church youth group. Sale hours are Friday, Aug. 27 from 1 to 5 p.m., and Saturday, Aug. 28, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Coffee makers, iron, sewing machine, tools, clothes, kid's stuff, bike and many more items are in the sale. The event is at the church on Grove Street.

Dr. Crystal Sellers has been singing gospel music practically her whole life, starting at the church founded by her grandfather in her native Columbus.
 
So it shouldn’t be too surprising that she is now organizing a gospel choir in Bluffton, where she has joined the Bluffton University faculty as an assistant professor of music.
 

A free musical concert will be held  Saturday, Aug. 21, at Ottawa Park, 2632 Ada Road, Lima. 

Families and others interested are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and come out a listen to several local artists and bands while they provide music during the Rally Point River Ride Bike Tour.

The Bluffton Area Ministerial Association community meals continue in August at the Bluffton Senior Citizens Center. The next meal is Thursday, Aug. 19, catered by Emmanuel United Church of Christ.The meals are free and open to the public and begin at 6 p.m. Donations are accepted. Those donations support the Bluffton Food Pantry.

Koine', a Christian contemporary music group, will accompany the morning worship at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 301 N. Main St., Jenera, on Sunday, Aug. 22. Service times are 8 and and 10:30 am.

Koine', a Greek term meaning "common language," brings a vibrant sound and feel to traditional Christian songs.

Founded in Milwaukee, Wisc., in 2003, the group consists of five members who use instrumental and vocal music to declare that Jesus Christ is Savior.

Join the fun for the second annual Rally Point Youth Center bike tour on Aug. 21. The Rally Point River Ride bike tour is designed to get you outdoors and enjoy the region and Lima’s bike path and parks. 

Three routes have been marked, one for families (20 mile), weekend bikers (50 miles), and seasoned riders (100 mile route). Join others August 21st as they follow the Ottawa River through the Limas Parks and countryside.