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For over 50 years, First United Methodist Church Preschool has been a pillar of early childhood education in downtown Van Wert. The Christian-based preschool, serving children ages 3-5, has annoucned its upcoming Open House and ongoing registration for the 2026-2027 school year. Located at 113 W. Central Ave. in Van Wert, First UM Preschool is known for its commitment to high-quality education in a nurturing Christian environment.
The preschool’s key features include being established and state-licensed, offering a Christian atmosphere, maintaining low student-to-teacher ratios, and employing experienced, licensed teachers. They also provide flexible class options: a two-day per week class for three-year-olds and pre-kindergarten options for three or four days per week.
Families are invited to the open house on Thursday, March 12, 2026, with two convenient sessions: 10:30-11:30 a.m. or 2-3:30 p.m. This is a fantastic opportunity to tour the facilities, meet the dedicated staff, and learn about the curriculum, which follows Ohio Department of Education guidelines. Information packets and 2026-2027 registration will be available.
Financial aid is available, ensuring that a quality early education is accessible.
POSTED: 02/25/26 at 12:47 pm. FILED UNDER: Church
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VENEDOCIA — The Salem United Presbyterian Church of Venedocia would like to invite you to our morning service honoring Saint David’s Day on Sunday, March 1. The service begins at 9:30 a.m. with a light lunch to follow.
Each year the church celebrates its Welsh heritage on Saint David’s Day as well as its yearly GYMANFA (song festival) which is held the first weekend in September of each year. The Salem United Presbyterian Church will welcome in Dan Rowbotham and Gruff Madoc-Jones. Both gentlemen are from Wales. Rowbotham is currently director of Welsh studies at Rio Grande College and Madoc-Jones is a visiting student from Wales.
Plan to join the Salem United Presbyterian Church for Welsh hymns, history and current life events in Wales. Special music provided by Connie Oneill on the organ and Salem youth bell ringers as well as the little Welsh choir.
POSTED: 02/19/26 at 7:45 am. FILED UNDER: Church
VW independent staff/submitted information
First United Methodist Church of Van Wert has been awarded a $12,500 United Methodist GO Grant from the West Ohio Conference in the Community Engagement category. The grant will support renovations for the Haven of Hope Community Center, a project dedicated to strengthening outreach and services for individuals and families in the community.
The award was celebrated at a Red Carpet Event in the Columbus suburb of Powell, hosted by Bishop Hee-Soo Jung. Representing First United Methodist Church at the event were Pastor Christian Taylor, Teresa Shaffer, Director of Agape Outreach, and Jamie Ramos, Assistant Director of Agape Outreach.
“This grant is a powerful affirmation of our church’s commitment to meet people where they are and to serve with compassion and dignity,” Taylor said. “The Haven of Hope Community Center renovations will help us expand our reach and better support our neighbors.”
The United Methodist GO Grants program empowers local churches and faith-based organizations to launch and grow innovative ministries that transform lives and communities. Funding in the Community Engagement category recognizes initiatives that build meaningful relationships and address local needs through collaborative, mission-driven efforts.
“These renovations will directly enhance our ability to provide safe, welcoming, and functional space for the vital programs offered through Haven of Hope,” Shaffer said. “We are deeply grateful for this investment in our community.”
First United Methodist Church extended sincere thanks to the United Methodist Church, the GO Grants committee, and Bishop Hee-Soo Jung for their leadership and support.
To learn more about Agape Outreach at First United Methodist Church, visit vanwertfirst.net/agape.
POSTED: 02/18/26 at 11:24 am. FILED UNDER: Church
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CONVOY — The Convoy Methodist Church’s Valentine’s Day Dinner will be helf from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday February 15, in the church fellowship hall. The menu is, choice of baked steak or pork loin, potato, salads, homemade desserts and drink. A freewill offering will be accepted with proceeds going to the roof replacement fund. The church is located at the corner of North Main St. and Sycamore St. in Convoy. Carryouts will be available and the building is handicap accessible at the north door.
POSTED: 02/08/26 at 10:11 pm. FILED UNDER: Church
VW independent staff
Here are the local churches that have canceled Sunday services due to the approaching winter storm. Check back for updates. Local and area churches are welcome to send cancellation information to editor@thevwindependent.com. The information will be published free of charge on the News and Church pages.
St. Mark’s Lutheran Church of Van Wert has canceled all activities and services scheduled for Sunday, January 25.
North Union Church in Van Wert has canceled Sunday’s services.
Due to the severe weather and Governor Mike DeWine declaring a State of Emergency, First Presbyterian Church in Van Wert has canceled Sunday’s worship service.
All Sunday services at St. Paul’s Church, 6077 German Church Road, Ohio City, are canceled.
Sunday morning services at Calvary Evangelical Church in Van Wert are canceled, and Worship Night services are postponed until 6 p.m. Sunday, February 1.
Jennings Road Church of Christ in Van Wert has canceled Sunday’s service.
First United Methodist Church in Van Wert has cancelled Sunday’s worship and all other activities. Stay up-to-date at vanwertfirst.net.
VW independent staff
Should the approaching winter storm lead to the cancellation of church services on Sunday, churches in Van Wert County and the surrounding area are encouraged to send the cancellation information to the VW independent by emailing editor@thevwindependent.com. The information will be published on the News and Church pages. Please include the church name, times of services to be canceled and any other information, i.e. Sunday School, fellowship groups etc.
VW independent staff/submitted information
Many churches throughout the area have special services planned to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Most of those services will be held on Wednesday, December 24. Here is a list of services as submitted by local churches.
First United Methodict Church, 113 W. Central Ave., Van Wert, will host its traditional Christmas Eve service at 7 p.m. The evening will officially begin with prelude music at 6:30 p.m. The main service will feature the beloved tradition of scripture, carols led by the Chancel Choir, and candle lighting.
The service will 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.
First Presbyterian Church of Van Wert will worship on Christmas Eve with a candlelight service at 7 p.m. in the church Sanctuary. Traditional carols, prayers, and musical offerings by the Chancel Choir and Westminster Ringers will celebrate the Birth of The Child.
The Grover Hill Community Christmas Eve service will begin at 7:30 p.m. December 24, at the Zion Community Church. The service is a collaboration of the Middle Creek United Methodist, Roselms Community, and Zion Community churches. Zion Community Church is located at the corner of 1st and Harrison Streets in Grover Hill.
St Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, at the corner of N. Washington St. and Sycamore St. in Van Wert will hold a Holy Communion Service at 7:30 p.m. Christmas Eve, and a candlelight Christmas Eve service at 11 p.m.
St. Paul’s Church, 6077 German Church Rd, Ohio City, will be holding their candlelight Christmas Eve service at 6:30 p.m. The service is open to the public and is a great way to kick off your family Christmas celebration. That evening will feature many of your favorite Christmas Carols and a message entitled ” God Had A Plan.” The service will conclude with Holy Communion and a candlelight service.
Trinity Global Methodist Church, 220 S. Walnut St., Van Wert, will have special music at 7:45 p.m. Wednesday, December 24, followed by a worship service and Communion at 8 p.m. The service will conclude with Silent Night in candlelight.
Submitted information
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.
Submitted information
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