Mid-Week Service Back By Demand

One of the many things associated with the Easter season is renewal.

In that spirit, Opportunity Presbyterian Church, 202 N. Pines Road, renewed its half-hour Wednesday worship service this week. The mid-week worship is usually offered only in the summer.

The 6:45 p.m. services were so successful, though, that they’ve been brought back from now until Easter.

“It always had a lot of success, and a lot of people showed,” said the Rev. Neil Monroe, the church’s associate pastor.

The first service earlier this week was just as successful as its summer counterparts. What’s the draw?

“There’s enough activities here every Wednesday that’s it’s easy for people to fit into their schedule,” Meyer said. “About half the people at the last service were with the youth program or choir.”

After Easter, things are scheduled to return to normal until June.

“This is kind of a work-up for summer,” Monroe said.

Men’s retreat planned

Men looking to enjoy a combination of Bible study and bonding are invited to register for Redeemer Lutheran Church’s men’s retreat.

The theme of the two-day getaway at Twinlow Camp in Idaho is called “The Four Stages of a Man’s Life,” and will be conducted by the Rev. David Stunkel, a chaplain from Sacred Heart Medical Center.

The retreat starts at 7 p.m. on March 17 and lasts until 8 p.m. on March 18.

Sandy Anderson, the church’s minister of discipleship, said all interested adult men can call 926-6363 to register. The food and lodging fee is $35.

Tap shoes not required

When Jan Meyer talks about taking time to dance with your divine partner, she doesn’t mean Fred Astaire or Ginger Rodgers.

Her new prayer series is offered the last Tuesday of each month at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 503 N. Walnut Road. Its goal is to help people participate in what Meyer calls “the inner dance.”

“It’s a time of quiet, prayer together, guided meditation, reflections and journal writing,” Meyer said.

She said it gives people a structure so they get in the habit of setting time aside to pray.

The program will continue all year, and it’s open to anyone.

“They don’t have to be Catholic,” she said.

For more information, call 926-5428.