Churches

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.

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:

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

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

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

Twice-monthly community meals continue in 2012, sponsored by the Bluffton Inter Church Board.

The meals are at 6 p.m. each first and third Thursday of the month at the Bluffton Senior Citizens Center. The meals are free and open to the public. Persons interested in making a donation may bring non-perishable food items. All donations go to the Bluffton Community Assistance Program's food pantry.

English Lutheran Church, 111 Grove St., will ring in the new year with a special at 11:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 31.

"This informal service of reflection, thanksgiving, and commitment will concludes with all in attendance being given the opportunity to take a turn at ringing the church bell at the stroke of midnight," said Rev. Kevin Mohr, pastor. 

For more information please call Mohr at 419-358-2591.
 

A new year's eve service will be held at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Jenera. The service begins at 7 p.m. on Dec. 31 and the new year's day service is at 9:30 a.m. on Jan. 1.  
 

Bluffton congregations will hold several special weekend services in observance of Christmas. Here is the list of services made available to The Icon.

Bluffton Baptist Church
345 County Line Road
Christmas eve
6:45 p.m. harp music
7 p.m. service
Christmas day
10:45 a.m. service

Pastor Al Schmitzer will preach on Jesus coming as King and the students in grades 5-8 will sing "Lift Up Your Heads" and "Were You There on that Christmas Night" during the 7 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 14, final Advent service of the season at Trinity Lutheran Church, Jenera.

"The Manger Seen," a Christmas pageant by Peter and Arden Mead, will be presented by the children's Sunday School of English Lutheran Church, Sunday, Dec. 18, at 10:15 a.m.

In the drama, a family tells the story of the birth of Jesus while they set up their nativity set. At the same time a living, costumed tableau is formed in front of the congregation.

The family, the nativity tableau, and the congregation interact through
Christmas carols marking the change of scenes in the drama.