Religion Digest - March 2, 2024

Alpha course to explore Christian faith

St. Mary, Mother of God Church, Freeport, will offer the Alpha course at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays beginning March 12 at the church, 608 High St.

Alpha is a series of 12 free sessions that explore the Christian faith. Each talk looks at a different question around faith and is designed to create conversation. Meetings begin with a meal, followed by music, a video about faith and a discussion.

Everyone is welcome. For information and to register, visit stmaryfreeport.com.

Lower Burrell church offers grief program

Redemption Church, 232 Hillcrest Drive, Lower Burrell, will sponsor a GriefShare support group for anyone who has lost a loved one from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through April 16 at the church.

Participants can join at any session of the program. Reservations are appreciated but not required. For reservations, visit GriefShare.org.

Lenten programs planned across the A-K Valley

Apollo

• The Apollo Ministerium will sponsor a Lenten lunch series at noon Wednesdays at various churches through March 20. The March 6 service will be at New Life Baptist Church, 319 N. Second St., Apollo. The Rev. Brad Ferko of Spring Church Lutheran Church, Kiski Township, will be the speaker. Donations will be accepted to benefit the Apollo-Ridge Elementary School Food4Kids project.

East Vandergrift

• Stations of the Cross will be prayed at 6:30 p.m. Fridays through March 22 at Our Lady, Queen of Peace Church, 420 McKinley Ave. Details: 724-478-4958.

Freeport

• The Freeport Ministerium will host a Lenten luncheon series from noon to 1:20 p.m. Thursdays through March 21 at various churches. The March 7 service will be at Freeport United Methodist Church, 211 Fourth St. The Rev. Jeff Truscott will be the speaker. Soup and sandwiches will be served from noon to 12:50 p.m. Participants may come at any time and do not have to stay for the worship service.

Leechburg

• The Leechburg Ministerium Lenten luncheon series will be at 11:45 a.m. Fridays in the social room at Cross Roads Community Presbyterian Church, 271 Main St. A light lunch will be served and the Rev. Alan Polczynski, pastor of Christ the King Parish, Gilpin, will be the speaker. Donations will be accepted to cover the cost of the meal and support the ministerium’s emergency food voucher program.

Lower Burrell

• Bethesda Evangelical Lutheran Church, 3084 Leechburg Road, will be open for silent meditation and reflection from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays through March 27. Details: 724-335-0559.

Tarentum

• First Baptist Church will host Lenten lunch and worship services at noon Wednesdays through March 20 at the church, 410 Third St. Lunch will be served afterward in the fellowship hall.

Vandergrift

• Kiski Area Association of Churches will host free weekly community Lenten lunches Fridays during Lent at Vandergrift Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, 195 Washington Ave. Lunch is served at noon followed by a devotional and community speaker.

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