3-part homecoming begins
NEW ROCHESTER – St. Paul Lutheran Church, New Rochester, is starting the fall season with a series of
Homecoming Celebrations. Two former pastors of the church and one son of the congregation have accepted
invitations to return to preach and renew friendships. Rev. Thomas Mammoser first came to the church as
a Bowling Green State University student-choir director. Now he is pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in
Gaylord, Mich. He is married to the former Sandra Dierksheide, a daughter of long time members.
Mammoser will preach Sunday at the 10:15 worship service. A pot-luck luncheon which will follow.
Former ministers, Rev. John R. Wanamaker will return on Oct. 23 and Rev. John A. Thorson will visit Nov.
6. The public is invited to attend any or all of services.
Ordination to be Sunday
WATERVILLE – The First Presbyterian Church of Waterville has announced that Karen Vander Ploeg has been
called as a full-time pastor of the church effective Sept. 1.
There will be an ordination service for her Sunday at 5 p.m. at the church, 611 Farnsworth Road,
Waterville. The service will be followed by a social gathering. The public is invited to attend the
service and gathering.
Vander Ploeg recently completed her studies at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. She has a career
background of Christian education.
Barbecue and more
RUDOLPH – The Rudolph Christian Church will be having a Chicken barbecue Saturday September from 4:30 to
6:30 p.m. During that time the Central Joint Fire Firefighters will have their Fire Safety Trailer on
site. There will also be a "Cake Walk" with Bingo starting at 6:15 p.m.
The public is invited to attend.
Animals to be blessed
BRADNER – There will be a service of Blessing of the Animals Sunday at Bradner United Methodist Church.
Animals should be on a leash or otherwise controlled. Pictures of large, uncontrollable or nervous pets
can be substituted.
Fall retreat planned
NORTH BALTIMORE – The St. Luke’s Church Women will host the 15 congregations of the Central Conference
Women of the ELCA on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the annual fall retreat. The theme of the
retreat is "From Womb to Tomb" with some of the women of the church presenting a drama written
by member Colleen Sterling, about the birth and death of Jesus.
Farewell to a deacon
Deacon Gary Thrun, who has been serving St. Thomas More University Parish, Bowling Green, has been
reassigned to Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Toledo, effective Oct. 1. This weekend he will preach at all
Masses at St. Thomas More.
Author to sign book
TOLEDO — Gary Tim Collins, a resident of Perrysburg, will be available to sign copies of his religion
book, “The Light That Illuminates the Flame: Make God Your Focus in Good Times and Bad” on Saturday at
11 a.m. at Barnes and Noble, 4940 Monroe St., Toledo.
In this book, Collins explores common themes of Christianity, like who God is, what he does in our lives,
the importance of his Word, the life of Jesus Christ, and, in turn, the way we should live our lives as
his faithful followers to draw near to him.
Fourth Tuesday meal set
GRAND RAPIDS – The Fourth Tuesday monthly meal will be held Tuesday from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at Hosanna
Lutheran Church, 23019 Kellogg Road, Grand Rapids. The public is invited to the community-wide meal.
