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First United Methodist Church, 113 W. Central Ave. in Van Wert is preparing for two highly anticipated events this December, inviting the entire community to join in the spirit and joy of Christmas. This Advent season, the church’s theme is “The World Awaits. Put on Christ,” and these events offer perfect opportunities to reflect on the true meaning of the holidays.
Get ready for an evening of heartwarming drama and song at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, December 14, as the children of First Church present their musical, “Christmas Eve: The Girl Who Saved Christmas.”
The small town of Elmville is in a dilemma – someone has stolen the Christmas star! This delightful production follows the quest to restore the star and promises an evening that will charm and bless all who attend. It’s a perfect opportunity for families to enjoy the talent of local youth and feel the true spirit of the season.
On Wednesday, December 24, First Church will host its traditional Christmas Eve Service at 7 p.m,, an event designed to bring light and peace to the holiday.
The evening officially begins with prelude music at 6:30 p.m, setting a tranquil and reflective mood. The main service will feature the beloved tradition of scripture, carols led by the Chancel Choir, and candle lighting. Every member of the family will find something meaningful in the worship.
The service culminates in the poignant moment of candle lighting, where the congregation shares a collective light, symbolizing the hope and peace of Christ’s birth.
Following the service, the church will offer family communion from 8-8:45 p.m. All who wish to stay and take communion together with their family are welcome to participate in this intimate offering.
The church welcomes Van Wert neighbors and visitors alike to share in these special times of community, worship, and the enduring magic of Christmas. The church is conveniently located across the street from Fountain Park, which offers a free walk-through light display all month. Attendees are encouraged to make it an entire evening of holiday cheer and blessing.
For more information, visit the website, vanwertfirst.net and click on Events.
POSTED: 12/05/25 at 7:05 am. FILED UNDER: Church
VW independent staff
Churches around Van Wert County are encouraged to submit information about their upcoming Christmas Eve services, including times and any other pertinent information, to editor@thevwindependent.com by Wednesday, December 17. The complete list will be compiled and published on both the News and Church pages on Friday, December 19. There is no charge for the listing.
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On Sunday, December 14, during the 10 a.m. worship service, the Chancel Choir of Van Wert’s First Presbyterian Church will present a “Service of Lessons and Carols”, which tells the story from Creation to Jesus’ birth. There are nine scripture lessons, with each followed by a choral or congregational carol. The choir, accompanied by organist Harriet Schaat, pianist Dave VanTilburg, bassoonist Anna Baker, and a string quartet from the Lima Symphony, will sing carols by Hoggard, Poston, Pysh, Rutter and Wilberg.
POSTED: 12/01/25 at 3:37 pm. FILED UNDER: Church
VW independent staff
It’s a festive and rather delicious holiday tradition and it’s happening soon at the First Presbyterian Church of Van Wert.
The Christmas Cookie Exchange is set for 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, December 6, in the Fellowship Hall of the First Presbyterian Church of Van Wert, 110 W. Crawford St.
Those attending will be able to explore a delicious variety of homemade cookies with hundreds to choose from and mix and match your favorites for only $10 per pound. In addition to that, an assortment of sweet breads and coffee cakes will be available for purchase, perfect for sharing or gifting. Proceeds will go to help local families in need during the holiday season.
In the spirit of fellowship, the church will have tables available for anyone who would like to relax and enjoy some of the homemade sweets made available at no cost. Coffee, juice, and milk will also be provided as beverage options, so anyone can savor treats while listening to festive music and spending time with friends and family.
POSTED: 11/26/25 at 7:10 am. FILED UNDER: Church
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CONVOY — The Convoy community Thanksgiving service will be held at the Convoy Methodist Church at 6:30 p.m. Monday, November 24.
Let us give thanks with a grateful heart. Pastor Bud Walls will bring the message and the adult choir will present a special under direction of Keith Bowers, accompanied by Linda Holden. The offering will go to the Convoy Fire & EMS kids Christmas fund.
A time of fellowship and light refreshments will follow the service in the fellowship hall.
POSTED: 11/17/25 at 10:00 pm. FILED UNDER: Church
VW independent staff/submitted information
First United Methodist Church is issuing a critical call to action for the Van Wert area and surrounding communities, families and local businesses to help pack life-saving rice meals for the people of Haiti. This event will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, November 22, at the Goedde Building Gym, located on W. Crawford St., Van Wert.
“This effort is exceptionally urgent, as escalating gang violence has plunged Haiti into a crisis believed to be larger and more devastating than the 2010 earthquake,” Director of Outreach Teresa Shaffer said. “A State of Emergency has been declared as the nation faces surging kidnappings, murder, and starvation. FUMC feels that God has positioned us ‘or such a time as this’ to serve our brothers and sisters who are in desperate situations—people who are starving, being murdered, unable to get medical care, or denied an education.”
The resulting meals are nutritionally packed, containing rice, a dehydrated vegetable blend, vegetable protein powder, and vitamin powder with 21 essential nutrients. They will be distributed through Mission of Hope, which has a proven 26-year distribution and ministry model that successfully reaches over 500 schools and orphanages in Haiti, even amidst the traumatic events on the ground.
The community Rice Meal Packing event is a hands-on, three-hour volunteer effort that welcomes all ages to join. Volunteers will receive instruction on how to pack the meals efficiently.
“The output is truly jaw-dropping when the gym is filled with busy tables,” Shaffer said. “We encourage you to bring your friends, family, and co-workers; students can also receive documentation of their service hours for participation.”
Pre-registration is highly suggested to ensure enough stations and supplies are prepared. A suggested donation of $20 per person ($50 per family) is requested to cover the expense of the meal ingredients and shipping.
Sign up instantly using this link: https://tinyurl.com/ricepack.
For alternative sign-up methods or for questions, contact Shaffer at 419.238.0631 ext 307 or send an email to teresa.shaffer@vanwertfirst.net.
VW independent staff/submitted information
The series, “In Case of Death” will end on Wednesday, October 22. The helpful study will begin at 6:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Church, 6077 German Church Rd., Ohio City.
In Case of Death is aimed at preparing you and your family for the time when death occurs. It has dealt with handling estate ;investments, banking accounts, wills and trusts. Local experts in these fields answered questions and explained how to pass assets on as easily as possible. On the final night, a local funeral director will be on hand to give advice on prearrangements, offer information on what you need to do when a loved one dies and answer any questions you may have concerning death and burial.
The public is invited to this session, even if you have not attended any of the previous meetings. St. Paul’s Church has posted videos of the first three sessions on their Facebook page (St. Paul’s Church-Ohio City, click on Videoroost).
VW independent staff/submitted information
OHIO CITY — The “In Case Of Death” series will continue at 6:30 p.m. this Wednesday, October 15, at St. Paul’s Church in Ohio City. This is an informative session on how to prepare your estate for those who will be dealing with it after your death.
The previous two sessions have focused on the spiritual side of death, how to handle investments and trusts , the importance of wills and dealing with probate issues.
Session No. 3 will feature banking experts from the area who will explain how to make the transferring of accounts easier and how to guard against fraud to keep assets safe. Questions from those in attenance will be answered following the presentation.
The “In Case Of Death” series is free and open to the public. Previous sessions can be found on St. Paul’s Church’s Facebook page (click on videoroost). One more session will be held next week.
St. Paul’s Church is located at 6077 German Church Road, Ohio City.
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OHIO CITY — The “In Case Of Death” series continues this Wednesday, October 8 at St. Paul’s Church in Ohio City. This study is to aid in preparing our affairs so that it will be easier on the ones who must deal with our estate.
This week, the church will feature a talk from a local attorney who will discuss wills, trusts and the legal aspects of being the executor of someone’s estate. There will be a time of questions and answers to follow.
During the October 15 session, local bank representatives will give us information about transferring accounts, dealing with loans, safety deposit boxes and how to avoid scams that occur following someone’s death.
“In Case Of Death” wraps up on October 22 with a local funeral director who will offer help in planning funerals, cremation, selecting gravesite and headstones, and related items.
These sessions are open to the public and are helpuflu to anyone, regardless of age. Each meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. and will last around an hour. St. Paul’s Church is located at 6077 German Church Road, Ohio City.
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Presented by Van Wert’s own masterful musician and arranger, Scott Turner, the public is invited to a unique and free musical event, “A Cinematic Recital: The Music of the Silver Screen.” Join us for an afternoon of iconic film melodies, reimagined and restyled like you’ve never heard them before.
A familiar face in the community, Turner serves as the Director of Music at the United Methodist Church of Van Wert and is also a teacher at Lincolnview Local Schools. His work as a musician and arranger is highlighted in this concert, which features his unique interpretations of cinematic favorites.
The program will include selections from films like Titanic, Psycho, E.T., James Bond, Stand By Me, and Laura, showcasing his approach to restyling well-known themes. In addition to the film scores, audiences will also be treated to other musical experiences. The program will include a selection of well-known tunes and an original composition, offering a different dimension to the recital.
This special recital will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, October 12, in the stunning and acoustically rich sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church at 113 W Central Ave. in Van Wert.
The performance will feature the sanctuary’s recently renovated Noehren organ, the grand piano, woodwinds, bass, and percussion creating a truly immersive and vibrant soundscape. Turner will be joined by talented guest artists Michele Amstutz, Annette Hoverman, Jeremy Laukhuf, and Gloria Wendel, adding another layer of artistry to the evening. This collaboration promises an unforgettable afternoon that celebrates the enduring power of music from the silver screen.
Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind, free concert experience that transforms the familiar into something fresh and extraordinary. For elevator access, please enter through the double glass doors off Central Ave.