St. John's United Church of Christ, 223 West College Ave., Bluffton, will hold a blessing pets in the parking lot of the church on Saturday, Oct. 1, from 10 a.m. until noon, according to Rev. Carol Clements, pastor.
"As autumn arrives, people in various places may notice something odd - a procession of animals, everything from dogs and cats to hamsters and even horses, is led to churches for a special ceremony call the Blessing of Pets," she told The Icon.
On Sunday, Sept. 18 at 8 p.m. a prayer service will be held at English Lutheran Church simultaneously with one at Living Word Lutheran Church in Buda, Texas, according to Rev. Kevin Mohr, pastor of English Lutheran.
Nearly the entire state of Texas and most of Oklahoma is experiencing the worst prolonged drought in recorded history for that area. The community of Buda, Texas is gathering together at Living Word Lutheran Church at 7 p.m. ( 8 p.m. Eastern Time) to pray for an end to the drought.
A marriage seminar, "Safe Haven Marriage: Building a Relationship You Want To Come Home To," will take place Friday, Oct. 7 (7-9 p.m.) and Saturday, Oct. 8 (8 a.m.-4 p.m.) at First Mennonite Church.
The cost is $50 per couple, which covers meals and refreshments.
Contact First Mennonite Church office (419-358-576) for more details or email [email protected]. Sign-up required by Friday, Sept 17.
The Rev. Dr. Matthew B. Zuehlke, newly appointed pastor of Bluffton Presbyterian Church, will begin his ministry at the church Sunday, Sept. 11, at the 10:15 a.m. service with a sermon titled "Small Beginnings."
First Mennonite Church is sponsoring a Peace Weekend, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 10-11.
On Sept. 10, Saturday morning, a Peace Festival will be held in the parking lot of FMC with face-painting and other activities for children, live music, a mural to add to, informational displays, and international clothing to try on with your families for a photo, see books on display, all during the farmer's market from 9:30-12.
The Bluffton University Peace Club and Lion and Lamb Peace Arts Center will be part of the Saturday morning event.
English Lutheran Church invites the community to its Rally Day Celebration and Ice Cream Social Sunday, Sept. 11.
The day will begin at 9 a.m. with an interactive worship event built around the theme of "Sharing the Story of Jesus," followed by an intergenerational time of games, quizzes, and faith-filled fun at 10:15 a.m., according to Kevin Mohr, pastor.
"Then, after lunch, come back and join us for an Ice Cream Social with games and crafts from 2-4 p.m. outside under the tent on the church green space," said Rev. Mohr.
