Rev. Carol Clements, pastor of St. John’s United Church of Christ, will retire from the local pastorate following the Sunday, Feb. 23, worship service. She served as its pastor since October 2010.
While at Bluffton she participated in several community organizations including the Bluffton Area Ministerial Association. St. John’s is home to the Bluffton Community Assistance Program’s food pantry.
“I’ve appreciated my years in Bluffton. This community offers an excellent ministry program to worshipers,” she said of her time here.
The Pandora United Methodist Church will be hosting a free Community Meal on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the church fellowship hall. The church is located at 108 E. Washington Street, Pandora.
The meal is provided by 7 o'clock Flock Small Group. The menu is tomato soup, grilled cheese sandwiches, relish tray, rocket brownies, and beverages.
Riley Creek United Methodist Church, 7102 Road 7L, Ottawa, will hold a dedication of a new addition at 2 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 19, according to Rev. Duane Kemerley, pastor.
A potluck in the new Fellowship Hall precedes the service at noon.
"For any of our family and friends who are unable to attend but who would like to extend well wishes and blessings, these may be emailed to: [email protected] or mailed to Riley Creek UMC, P O Box 151, Pandora OH 45877,” said Rev. Kemerley.
Rev. Thomas M. Holmes of Lima, is serving as interim pastor of First United Methodist Church. In addition, he is interim pastor at Rockport United Methodist.
He is the retired executive director of Covenant Ministry Services, Lima, and as a United Methodist clergy, has served in interim pastorates in Paulding, Payne and Forest Park, Lima.
English Lutheran Church, 111 Grove St., will hold a New Year's Eve service, according to Rev. Kevin Mohr, pastor.
The informal service takes place at 11:30 p.m. and concludes with all attending helping to ring the church bell at midnight to ring in the new year.
The service includes hymns, prayers and readings.
"You are invited to join the people of English Lutheran Church tonight, Dec. 31, New Year's Eve, for an informal service of thanking God for the year past, and commending ourselves to God in the new year," said Rev. Mohr.
