Worship

Bluffton congregations will hold special Ash Wednesday services on Feb. 22. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent.

St. John's United Church of Christ will hold at service at 7 p.m. according to Rev. Carol Clements, pastor. The service will include communion and the imposition of ashes.

Ohio Northern University Gospel Ensemble

The Ohio Northern University Gospel Ensemble will perform during the 10:30 a.m., Sunday, Feb. 12, worship service at St. John's United Church of Christ, according to Rev. Carol Clements, pastor.

The Ensemble was formed in 1987. Since that time it has traveled to many area churches each year on weekend trips and visited some of the member's home churches in Ohio and Michigan on spring break tours.

The ensemble sings primarily contemporary gospel music and much of its is a cappella. The motto of the ensemble is "Winning souls to Christ with a medody."

In commemoration of the sacrifices of four armed forces chaplains during World War II, The American Legion will observe Religious Emphasis Week Feb. 1 to 7 and Four Chaplains' Sunday, according to members of the Bluffton American Legion Post 382.

Members of the Bluffton Legion Post will attend the 10:30 a.m. Feb. 5 worship service at First United Methodist Church, Bluffton.

This year is the 68th anniversary of the sinking of the USS Dorchester and the heroism demonstrated by four chaplains on the ship. The

Cupid's Cupboard and Cafe is coming to St. John's United Church of Christ from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 11.

The event includes a bake sale with Valetine treats packaged and wrapped.

The cafe menu includes homemade soups, sandwiches, relishes, pies and beverages. $5 for a meal or $2 for ala cart items.

Proceeds from the event go toward a church kitchen sink and counterfund project. The church is located at the corner of West College Avenue and South Jackson Street.

Ted Schwartz

Bluffton University together with First Mennonite, Grace Mennonite, Lima Mennonite, and Salem Mennonite will host Ted and Company in the First Mennonite Church sanctuary at 7 p.m., Monday, Feb. 6.

Ted and Company will present one of their newer shows, "I'd Like to Buy an Enemy." It is a show that is suited more for adults and youth rather than children.

Here is what the Ted and Company website says about this show:
"A hilarious and poignant satire that explores peace, justice, and the American way...

Five ministries of the Bluffton area will participate in the annual
Bluffton pulpit exchange on Sunday, Jan. 15.

The preaching schedule follows:

o Bill Herr of Mennonite Memorial Home
will preach at English Lutheran Church.

o Kevin Mohr of English Lutheran Church
will preach at Emmanuel United Church of Christ.

o Eric Rummel of Emmanuel United Church of Christ
will preach at First Mennonite Church.

Pages