VW independent staff
The First Presbyterian Church of Van Wert’s Vacation Bible School returns next month and the theme is “Building on the Rock – Building our Foundation with Jesus!”
VBS will be held from 5:30-8 p.m. July 8-11 at the church, 110 W. Crawford St. Signups are available online at www.myvbs.org/firstpresbyofvanwert.com.
POSTED: 06/17/25 at 6:12 am. FILED UNDER: Church
Submitted information
TOLEDO — Together with all the priests, deacons, consecrated religious and lay faithful of the Diocese of Toledo, and united with all Catholics and people of goodwill throughout the world, with deep sadness we mourn the death of Pope Francis, after 12 years as our universal shepherd, the 265th successor to Saint Peter. We trust in the promise and saving power flowing from the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, and we beg the Lord to receive him into the company of Blessed Mary, Saint George and Saint Francis of Assisi his patrons, and all the Saints, as we pray:
O God, immortal shepherd of souls,
look on your people’s prayers
and grant that your servant Pope Francis,
who presided over your Church in charity,
may, with the flock entrusted to his care,
receive from your mercy
the reward of a faithful steward.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen!
Requiescat in Pace!
Rest in peace.
Bishop Daniel E. Thomas will celebrate a Mass for the Dead in Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral. Date and time to be announced soon.
Biography of the Holy Father can be found at: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/biography/documents/papa-francesco-biografia-bergoglio.html.
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 122 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: 04/21/25 at 6:33 am. FILED UNDER: Church
VW independent/submitted information
It’s that time of year again when Southern Gospel groups and soloists from around the country gather in Van Wert for the Annual Gospel Music Expo on April 25, 26 and 27. Regional recording artist Trinity began this outreach of its ministry in 2001 with a Saturday night “sing” held in the Family Life Center at Trinity Friends Church and has seen God use it and grow the event over the years.
On Friday, April 25, the music will begin at 5 p.m. with a different artist taking the stage every 15 minutes. The 24th Gospel Music Expo features artists from seven states (Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Kentucky) with a mix of soloists, duets, trios, quartets and mixed groups.
On Saturday, April 26, things will kick off at 4 p.m. with 22 featured artists. The format on Friday and Saturday allows Christian music fans to come and go throughout the evening. They can also enjoy some delicious food at the TFC Youth Food Court and visit the various artists’ product tables.
On Sunday, April 27, the Expo Finale will feature Trinity and The Guardians. The concert starts at 6:30 p.m. with doors opening at 4:30 that afternoon and the Food Court available.
(more…)VW independent/submitted information
Kingdom Connection Academy, located at Trinity Friends Church, 605 N. Franklin Street in Van Wert, will be hosting the following parent information meetings and school tours open to the community: Thursday, April 24, 6:30-7:30 p.m.; Monday, April 28, 6:30-7:30 p.m.; Tuesday, April 29, 6:30-7:30 p.m.; Thursday, May 8, 6:30-7:30 p.m.; and Tuesday, May 13, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
There are also two scheduled Kindergarten Round-Ups for evaluating children entering kindergarten this fall. Those sessions will be held Wednesday, May 21, and Tuesday, May 22, from 4-8 p.m.
POSTED: 04/14/25 at 11:32 pm. FILED UNDER: Church
VW independent staff
Promise Church in Van Wert reminds local residents it will offer the “glow in the dark” egg hunt at 8:30 p.m. Good Friday, April 18, in Fountain Park in downtown Van Wert.
There will be two age categories, 5-8 and 9-12. Registration will begin at 8 that night. There will be prize eggs and a pair of $100 gift cards.
POSTED: 04/13/25 at 9:16 pm. FILED UNDER: Church
Submitted information
OHIO CITY — St. Paul’s Church invites the community to join in during Holy Week services. At 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 17, the church will hold its Maundy Thursday service. At 12 p.m. Friday. April 18, the church will join with area churches for a Good Friday service to be held at Sugar Ridge Church on Liberty Street in Convoy. St. Paul’s Church will celebrate the resurrection of our Lord at 10 a.m. Easter Sunday, April 20. Everyone is invited to worship.
St. Paul’s Church is located at 6077 German Church Road, Ohio City.
POSTED: 04/10/25 at 3:03 pm. FILED UNDER: Church
Submitted information
HAVILAND — Haviland Country Chapel will host a Gospel Music Festival and old fashioned hymn sing at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 13.
Paul Hoverman and friends will be leading worship including special music selections by the “In Spiritu” women’s ensemble and a men’s quartet. There will also be piano, organ, trumpet, bass, and drums for congregational hymn singing.
Come join us for a wonderful afternoon of praising our Lord through singing, sharing, and music making with many favorite Gospel songs and cherished hymns. Come as you are. All are welcome. The doors will open to the public at 2:15 p.m.
Haviland Country Chapel is located at 501 N Main Street/Ohio 114.
POSTED: 04/09/25 at 5:52 pm. FILED UNDER: Church
VW independent staff/submitted information
Holy Week marks the final days of Jesus’ life, including Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Resurrection Sunday. The public is invited to join the Holy Week services at Convoy Methodist Church to reflect on the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross.
Palm Sunday — 9:30 a.m. Sunday, April 13: The children will parade the sanctuary with palm branches as we celebrate Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The choir will sing “The Palms” and “The King is Coming.”
Maundy Thursday Worship — 7 p.m.Thursday, April 17. in the sanctuary: the choir will sing “Jesus Paid It All” and Holy Communion will be celebrated. This service reflects on Jesus’ Last Supper with his disciples, where he washed their feet and gave the “new commandment” to love one another. Maundy Thursday is a time reflect on Jesus’ teachings, his love for humanity, and his sacrifice.
Good Friday Community Worship Service — 12 p.m. Friday, April 18 at Sugar Ridge Church of God: Pastor Tyler Watson will be preaching and the offering that day will go to Loaves of Love. There will be a time of refreshments and fellowship following the service.
Good Friday Worship Service — 7 p.m. Friday, April 18 in the sanctuary at Convoy Methodist Church: The choir will sing “It Is Finished.” Good Friday is called “good” because, for Christians, it marks the day Jesus Christ was crucified, which, through his death and resurrection, is seen as the ultimate sacrifice for humanity’s sins and means of redemption and reconciliation with God.
Resurrection Sunday — 7 a.m. Easter Sunrise Service, with a breakfast buffet following the service. Sunday School for all ages will begin at 8:30 a.m. and Easter worship service will start at 9:30 a.m. in the sanctuary, which will be adorned with Easter lilies. The Choir will sing The Old Rugged Cross made the Difference.
The Convoy Methodist Church is located at N. Main St. and Sycamore St.
POSTED: 04/09/25 at 6:40 am. FILED UNDER: Church
Submitted information
CONVOY — A Princess Parable Day for girls of any ages, will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday April 12, in the Convoy Methodist Church Fellowship Hall.
Princesses may wear their princesses’ attire but are not required. The cost is $5 per princess or $10 per family of princesses. All princesses must be accompanied by an adult.
Activities include story time, photos, hair styling, nail painting, soft makeup, dress design, crown making, games, and snacks all included in the registration fee.
Girls are encouraged to bring friends for a fun-filled party.
The church is located at the corner of N Main St. and Sycamore St. in Convoy.
POSTED: 04/09/25 at 6:39 am. FILED UNDER: Church
VW independent staff
It’s a fun twist on an egg hunt – a glow in the dark Easter egg hunt.
Promise Church in Van Wert will offer the glow in the dark egg hunt at 8:30 p.m. Good Friday, April 18, at Fountain Park in downtown Van Wert. There will be two age categories, 5-8 and 9-12. Registration will begin at 8 p.m. that night. There will be prize eggs and a pair of $100 gift cards.