VW independent staff
VENEDOCIA — Salem Presbytarian Church’s annual ice cream social has been set for 4:30-7 p.m. Friday, June 19, at the Venedocia Lions Club building on Ohio 116. There will be Venedocia Lions sausage, dinner items, pies and of course, ice cream. Everyone is welcome to attend.
POSTED: 06/08/26 at 10:23 am. FILED UNDER: Church
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First United Methodist Church and Trinity Friends Church in Van Wert are partnering this summer to host GriefShare, a special weekly seminar and support group designed to help people rebuild their lives after losing a loved one.
The 7-week session will run on from 6-8 p.m. each Wednesday night from June 10-July 22.
The group will meet at First United Methodist Church in the Scheidt Room, located at 113 W. Central Ave., Van Wert. The facility is fully handicap accessible.
At GriefShare, participants will watch a weekly video featuring counsel and insights from respected grief experts and relatable personal stories, followed by a time of sharing and support. Session topics include what is “normal” in grief, how to handle difficult and overwhelming emotions, and what to do with regrets, questions, and worries
Participant workbooks are available for $20 each to help guide individuals through the 7-week journey. Scholarships are available. GriefShare is a network of thousands of grief support groups meeting worldwide. The program is designed to offer help and hope as individuals navigate the intense pain of losing a spouse, child, family member, or friend.
For more information, to register, or to inquire about the program, please contact Jamie Ramos at First United Methodist Church (419.238.0631 ext. 105), Megan Tschantz at Trinity Friends Church, or visit vanwertfirst.net/events. General information about the program can also be found at griefshare.org.
VW independent staff/submitted information
A musical program featuring concert organist, Matthew Wachtman and nearly 30 other outstanding musicians will present a program honoring America 250. It will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday, June 14, First United Methodist Church on W. Central Ave. in Van Wert.
The program, which will be free and open to the public, will feature organist Matthew Wachtman from Defiance. He is currently Director of Music and Worship at St. Martin’s Lutheran Church in Archbold and is on the faculty of the Baldwin Wallace University Conservatory of Performing Arts as Lecturer in Organ. Wachtman earned his Master of Music in Organ Performance at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music where he also served as graduate assistant of the organ department. He received his Bachelor of Music degree in Keyboard Performance (organ) at the Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music. Wachtman is an active organ recitalist throughout the midwest and is a published author and composer in the Bach Journal and MorningStar Music.
The program will feature solo organ pieces on the recently renovated Noehren Pipe Organ at First UM Church. Wachtman will be joined on the first half by tenor Jake Wilder, pianist Annette Hoverman, and a brass quintet with members of the Lima Symphony Orchestra.
The second half will feature musicians from throughout the region in a Celebration of America 250. Wachtman will be joined by a 16-voice choir, seven-piece wind ensemble, percussion, and piano 4-hands. The second half will feature some of the most beloved American patriotic music ever written.
Sponsors are the Paul & Annette Hoverman Music Fund of The Van Wert County Foundation, Gary Taylor in honor of his father, Don Taylor, an anonymous donor, and in cooperation with Visit Van Wert and First United Methodist Church of Van Wert.
VW independent staff/submitted information
TOLEDO — Bishop Daniel E. Thomas has announced clergy appointments, effective July 1. The appointments will affect St. Marys of the Assumption Parish in Van Wert, along with several other area churches.
Reverend Christopher G. Bohnsack will shift from Pastor of Saint Mary of the Assumption Parish, Van Wert, to Parochial Vicar of Saint Rose of Lima Parish, Perrysburg.
Reverend Thomas P. Hunyor, Jr., will move from Parochial Vicar of Saint John the Baptist Parish, Landeck, Saint John the Evangelist Parish, Delphos, and Saint Patrick Parish, Spencerville, to Pastor of Saint Mary of the Assumption Parish, Van Wert.
Reverend Jason D. D’Souza, SAC, from Parochial Vicar of Saint Joseph Parish, Sylvania, to Parochial Vicar of Saint John the Baptist Parish, Landeck, Saint John the Evangelist Parish, Delphos, and Saint Patrick Parish, Spencerville.
Reverend Vicente A. Vera, from Parochial Vicar of Saint John the Baptist Parish, Landeck, Saint John the Evangelist Parish, Delphos, and Saint Patrick Parish, Spencerville, to Pastor of Saint Joseph Parish, Fort Jennings.
Reverend Michael J. Bialorucki, from Parochial Vicar of All Saints Parish, Rossford, and Saint Jerome Parish, Walbridge, to Parochial Vicar of Saint Gerard Parish, Lima, and Catholic Services Priest for the Allen Oakwood Correctional Institute.
Reverend Kyle T. Gase, from Parochial Vicar of Saint Rose of Lima Parish, Perrysburg, to Pastor of Saint Mary Parish, Bluffton.
Reverend Daniel E. Borgelt, from Pastor of Saint Mary Parish, Edgerton, and Saint Michael the Archangel Parish, Hicksville, to Pastor of Saint Gerard Parish, Lima.
Reverend Sahaya A. Clement, SAC, from Parochial Vicar of Epiphany of the Lord Parish, Toledo, and part-time sacramental minister at Toledo Mercy Health North to Pastor of Saint Mary Parish, Edgerton, and Saint Michael the Archangel Parish, Hicksville.
Reverend Jesse C. Chick, CFIC, from Parochial Vicar of Saint Mary Parish, Tiffin, and Saint Pius X Parish, Tiffin, to Parochial Vicar of Saint Joseph Parish, Sylvania.
Reverend Anthony J. Coci, while remaining Pastor of Saint Joseph Parish, Tiffin, is appointed Pastor of Saint Pius X Parish, Sycamore.
Reverend Michael A. Geiger, from Parochial Administrator of Corpus Christi University Parish, Toledo, to Pastor of Saint Augustine Parish, Napoleon.
Reverend Craig Irwin, OSFS, from Parochial Vicar of Gesu Parish, Toledo, and Saint Pius X Parish, Toledo, to Pastor of Gesu Parish, Toledo, and Saint Pius X Parish, Toledo.
Reverend Evarist Miku Massawe, while remaining Parochial Vicar of Saint Joseph Parish, Tiffin, is appointed Parochial Vicar of Saint Pius X Parish, Sycamore.
Reverend Melwyn Menezes, SAC, from Parochial Vicar of Saint Michael the Archangel Parish, Findlay, to Pastor of Saint Isidore Parish, Defiance, and Saint Michael the Archangel Parish, Defiance.
Deacon Andrew Messer, will receive his first assignment after his priestly ordination on June 27.
Reverend Joseph J. Mominee, from Parochial Vicar of Saint Joseph Parish, Maumee, to Pastor of Corpus Christi University Parish, Toledo.
Reverend Ajeesh Venganilkkunnathil Sam, diocesan priest from the Diocese of Muvattupuzha, India, upon visa approval and anticipated arrival in the summer of 2026, is appointed Parochial Vicar of Holy Angels Parish, Sandusky, Saint Mary Parish, Sandusky, and Saints Peter and Paul Parish, Sandusky.
Reverend Vincent Selvaraj, SAC, Pallottine priest of the Our Lady of Good Health Province in Tamil Nadu, India, upon visa approval and anticipated arrival in the summer of 2026, is appointed Parochial Vicar of Saint Joseph Parish, Maumee.
The Diocese of Toledo, established April 15, 1910, encompasses 8,222 square miles in a mixture of urban and rural areas and spans 19 counties across Northwest Ohio, serving approximately 320,000 Catholics in 121 parishes. The Diocese includes Allen, Crawford, Defiance, Erie, Fulton, Hancock, Henry, Huron, Lucas, Ottawa, Paulding, Putnam, Richland, Sandusky, Seneca, Van Wert, Williams, Wood and Wyandot counties.
POSTED: 05/28/26 at 8:30 pm. FILED UNDER: Church
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CONVOY — After 35 years of faithful service, Keith Bowers, adult choir director of the Convoy Methodist Church will retire this month, leaving behind his contribution to the congregation’s music ministry.
For 35 years, Keith has been the steady presence behind Sunday anthems, Christmas cantatas, Easter celebrations, and countless moments of music that lifted spirits and strengthened faith. Under his leadership, he shaped the choir into a close-knit family whose music has touched many generations.
Choir members often recall rehearsals, last-minute changes, encouragements, and the way Keith could turn even the most hesitant singer into a confident contributor. He didn’t just direct music — he led in a way to offer our gifts with joy.
As Keith steps into retirement, the congregation will celebrate his service with a special reception on Sunday, May 17, following worship at 10:45 A.M. in fellowship hall at the Convoy Methodist Church, at the corner of 207 N. Main St.
Keith has given us more than music – he’s given us a reminder that worship is at its best when it comes from the heart.
POSTED: 05/13/26 at 8:36 pm. FILED UNDER: Church
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The Knights of Columbus will have a celebration for the Knights of Columbus Mexican Martyrs at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 21, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Van Wert.
The event will celebrate the members of the Knights of Columbus who were martyred during the Cristeros War in Mexico in the late 1920s. When the government placed severe restrictions and penalties on religious worship, the people rose up against the government and fought for their religious freedom. The slogan for the fighters was Viva Cristo Rey – long live Christ the King.
On May 21, 2000, Pope John Paul II canonized 25 martyrs who died in that war, many of whom were members of the Knights of Columbus.
The celebration will include a Holy Hour lead by Rev. Steve Blum which will feature parts in Spanish, English and Latin. Following the Holy Hour, there will be a pot luck meal in the St. Mary’s gym. All are invited.
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CONVOY — As we journey through Holy Week, the most sacred time of the Chrisian year, we invite you to gather with us for worship, reflection, and fellowship. Together we remember the final days of Jesus’ life and celebrate the hop of His resurrection at Convoy Methodist Church.
Good Friday Community Worship Service ~ 12 p.m. Friday, April 3, at St Paul’s Church 6077 German Church Road, Ohio City. Join us for this meaningful community service as Pastor Bill Thomas shares the message. The community offering will be received to support the Holden Family. Refreshments and fellowship will follow the service. Let us gather as a community and worship together.
Good Friday Worship Service ~ 7 p.m. Friday, April 3, in the Convoy Methodist sanctuary. The evening service will include Holy Communion, a message by Pastor Bill Thomas and special music by the choir presenting “It Is Finished.” Good Friday invites us into a quiet reflection and gratitude as we remember Christ’s great love and sacrifice.
Resurrection Sunday: ~ Easter Sunrise Service at 7 a.m., breakfast buffet following the sunrise service, Sunday School for all ages at 8:30 a.m. and the Easter worship service at 9:30 a.m. Our sanctuary will be beautifully adorned with Easter lilies as we rejoice in the resurrection. The choir will sing because He Lives/He Is Lord and Holy Communion will be celebrated.
The Convoy Methodist Church, located at 207 North Main in Convoy. All are welcome, we would love to have you worship with us.
POSTED: 03/26/26 at 6:58 am. FILED UNDER: Church
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St. Paul’s Church in Ohio City has announced its Holy Week schedule.
It begins on Palm Sunday, March 29, with the annual breakfast at 8:45 a.m. and worship service at 10 a.m. featuring the children’s parade.
On Thursday, April 2, St. Paul’s Church will hold the Maundy Thursday service at 6:30 p.m. which will include Holy Communion.
On Friday, April 3, St. Paul’s Church will host the Convoy Community Good Friday service at 12 p.m. Area churches will join together for worship with Pastor Bill Thomas of the Convoy Methodist Church will bring the message. There will be a time of light snacks and fellowship to follow.
On Sunday, April 5, St. Paul’s Church will celebrate the resurrection with its Easter morning service at 10 a.m.
St. Paul’s Church welcomes everyone to come and join them for any and all of these special services. The church is located at 6077 German Church Road, Ohio City.
POSTED: 03/24/26 at 10:25 am. FILED UNDER: Church
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The YMCA’s Good Friday Prayer Breakfast will be held on Friday, April 3, 2026, bringing community members together for breakfast, worship, and a morning program centered on prayer and encouragement. The doors will open at 6:30 a.m. for an open buffet breakfast served by Black Angus. The program will run from 7-8 a.m.
Guest speakers Derrin and Colby Kuhn will share a message focused on faith and hope, including reflections on how support from others can carry families through seasons that feel overwhelming. Their remarks will highlight the role community can play when life is uncertain.
Pastor David of the Church of Christ will participate as part of the annual Good Friday gathering. In past years, Pastor David has shared messages of faith, purpose, and hope, along with stories from his journeys that encourage listeners to keep moving forward.
Worship will be led by Jeremy Laukhuf, worship leader at First United Methodist Church.
The Good Friday Prayer Breakfast is open to the public. All are welcome to attend and join in prayer and encouragement.
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Local pastors, leaders, and musicians will be hosting a community-wide Good Friday service at 12 p.m. Friday, April 3, in the Bagley Auditorium of the Marsh Foundation in Van Wert. Enter either the front doors facing Lincoln Highway or the back doors on the north side of the building. Parking is in front off Lincoln Highway or the back.
Participating in the service are pastors Gerld Baker (retired); Brad Custis, Church on the Horizon, Rick Eberle, Trinity Global Methodist; Gary Ginter, (retired); Vanlal Hruaia, First Presbyterian; Matt McGovern, Trinity Friends; Aaron McGranahan, Promise Church; David To. Trinity Global Methodist, and Bill Watson, Pentecostal Way. Musicians will include Greg and Kathy Pysh, Annette Hoverman, and Mark Tschantz and friends.
The service will include music, prayer, the story of Good Friday in a scriptural dramatization, and much more. A procession of the cross will begin at the Greenhouse on the Marsh campus beginning at 11:30 am.
The entire community of Van Wert is invited to attend and share in the unity of serving one Lord, Jesus – the Christ.