Operation Christmas Child events

Tuesday, July 22, 2008 12:55 PM MDT

Operation Christmas Child (OCC) is having “Christmas in July,” when interested residents can pack shoeboxes to be distributed to families around the world.

OCC is having a citywide shoebox packing party on Friday, July 25, at 10 a.m. at Highland Park Community Church, 411 S. Walsh Drive. Everyone is invited to participate.

Shoeboxes and wrapping paper will be provided. Participants are asked to bring items, such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, mild bar soap, combs, hairbrushes, small balls, small stuffed animals, small children’s books, other small non-breakable toys, pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons, hard candy (no chocolate or Tootsie Rolls), T-shirts, socks, baseball caps, hair clips and ties, and other items that a needy child might enjoy.

Participants also should bring a personal note and picture to include in the box they pack. A $7 donation is helpful to cover the cost of shipping.

For more information, including on how you can volunteer, call Heather at 232-9528, or Wanda Klietz, area coordinator, at 277-5467.

“Home on the Range” VBS set

Kids ages preschool through sixth grade are invited to the “Home on the Range” Vacation Bible School at Nazarene Church, 2020 S. Jefferson.

Three sessions will be held from 7-9 p.m. on Wednesdays, July 23 and 30 and Aug. 6 with a Wyoming, western atmosphere with friendship and learning.

Activities will include western relays, music, stories, games, crafts, snacks and Bible verse memorization.

Adult sessions will be held simultaneously with VBS, so parents are invited to stay if they would like.

For more information, call 234-9601.

All invited to family movie night

A free family movie night, showing “Homeward Bound,” is planned from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 23, at First United Methodist Church Kings Corner.

All families are invited to attend and enjoy the movie, snacks and games.

For more information, call 234-9385.

St. Vincent’s plans sidewalk sale

A sidewalk sale is scheduled Saturday, July 26, at St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store, 301 E. “H” St.

The sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. will feature an overstock of clothing (bag sale planned) and household items.

For more information, call 237-2607.

Country gospel group performing July 27

Desert Reign, a platinum-award winning country gospel group, will perform in concert at 6 p.m. Sunday, July 27, at First Assembly of God Church, 2300 E. 15th St.

The group has been honored as Vocal Group and Band of the Year for several consecutive years by the Country Gospel Music Association.

The concert will feature Desert Reign’s country sound with gospel messages and featuring their own songwriting, harmonies and pickin’.

For more information on the group, visit www.desert-reign.org.

Alcova Baptist plans services at lake

Alcova Baptist Church will hold services at Alcova Lake, Cottonwood shelter house, on Sunday, July 27.

All visitors are welcome to join the worship service, which will start at 10:30 a.m. If convenient, bring a folding chair. Cold drinks will be furnished.

For more information, call Kay at 235-0524.

Casper Community Church plans event

Casper Community Church, 249 N. Wolcott, has announced upcoming events, and everyone is invited.

On Saturday, July 26, there will be Pizza and Band Night, starting at 6 p.m.

The church hosts several bands from the area on the last Saturday of each month and also serves free pizza and soda.

There is no cover charge, and anyone is welcome to come and enjoy punk, rock, hip hop, rap and contemporary bands. The music usually ends by 10 p.m.

For more information, call 268-8507.

First Christian hosts concert July 30

Christian music artist Greg Bunton will be in concert at First Christian Church, 520 CY Ave., on Wednesday, July 30, at 7 p.m.

The concert will highlight Bunton's newest CD, "Keep It Simple," and will include entertainment for the whole family. The concert is free and open to the public.

Greg Bunton Ministries support two projects: Week of Compassion and Operation Christmas Child. When someone purchases one of his CDs, a portion is given to those outreach ministries.

For more information, call the church office at 234-8964 or visit gregbunton.com.

WCCW convention deadline nearing

The 55th Annual Wyoming Council of Catholic Women Convention is scheduled Sept. 7-9 at the Ramkota Hotel in Casper, hosted by St. Patrick’s CCW.

Vocations and the Holy Eucharist is the theme for the convention that will include Mass, a Sunday evening presentation titled, “Christ’s Invitation to be Filled and to be Served,” as well as a banquet, live auction, raffles and more.

The keynote speaker will be Karen M. Hurley, president general of the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organizations.

The registration fee is $90, which includes three meals on Monday and brunch on Tuesday. It is due by Aug. 8. After that date, the cost goes to $100.

Registration forms may be sent to Phyllis Coleman, 110 S. Minnesota Ave., Casper 82609, or they also may be sent via e-mail with the required information to vmcintosh@bresnan.net.

For further information, call Phyllis Coleman at 237-8379, Linda Slattery at 237-6880, Julie Anne Milberger at 267-5899, Rita Dean at 265-6999, or Vicki Peters at 237-1906.

Vacation Bible Schools

Faith Assembly of God

“Science and Creation” Vacation Bible School will be held at Faith Assembly of God, 4301 Casper Mountain Road.

Children ages 4-12 are welcome to attend from 9-11:30 a.m. Aug. 4-8.

For more information, call 265-9121.

Sunrise Baptist Church

A “Trail Ride” to learn about the Good News of Jesus is scheduled at Sunrise Baptist Church, 3990 S. McKinley.

This “Trail Ride” is for pardners ages 4 through sixth grade from 6-8:15 p.m., Aug. 3-7. The round-up concludes on Aug. 7 with Family Night.

For more information, call the lead trail guide, Pastor Gary Hans, at 237-5108.

Casper Lutheran Youth Ministries

The Casper Lutheran Youth Ministries (CLYM) will host “A Rainforest Adventure: A Tree Top Bible Blast!” Vacation Bible School from Aug. 4-7 at Grace Lutheran Church, 315 CY Ave.

All youth ages 4 years through eighth grade are invited to attend from 9 a.m. to noon.

At the “Rainforest Adventure,” participants will hear a new Bible story about Jesus to explore through activities like making crafts, learning catchy tunes, playing games and making new friends.

To register or for more information, contact Michelle Collins at 262-6891.

CYFC banquet set Oct. 11

Casper Youth for Christ Inc. will conduct its third annual “Reaching the Every” fund-raising banquet on Saturday, Oct. 11.

CYFC will be honoring Carl Wolosin, executive director of the Central Wyoming Rescue Mission. Guest speaker will be Ryan Dobson, founder of KOR Ministries and the son of Dr. James Dobson.

The banquet starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Casper Events Center.

For more information or to sponsor a table, contact Janet or Ed at 235-6650 or send e-mail to cyfcassist@bresnan.net.

Soup kitchen opens again

Christ First Missionary Baptist Church, located at 900 N. Grant, has reopened the Loaves & Fishes Soup Kitchen.

It will be open weekdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., according to a release from the church.

There is a need for volunteers to help with cooking, as cook helpers, servers and in other areas. Those volunteering should be at the site at 9 a.m.

The kitchen is open to anyone who needs a hot meal, especially those who are unemployable.

“We would like to help these people resolve one problem and that is hunger,” according to Janice Gentry from Christ First. “We want to reach those in need in our community, offering faith, hope and love through Jesus Christ.”

Gentry added that people can return each day, with no limits to meals and no prejudices to the service given.

For more information, call the church at 265-5711 or Janice Gentry at 265-3397.

Salvation Army hosts summer day camp

The Salvation Army is running a Summer Day Camp using the “Veggie Tales” as its theme through Aug. 15.

Each week, a “Veggie Tales” adventure is introduced, ending with “The Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything.”

The camp runs from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at the facility at 625 S. Jefferson.

The cost is $65 per week and includes all of the activities, such as swimming, movies, weekly field trips, crafts, T-shirts, water bottle, snacks and lunch.

Other activities include Bible lessons based on the “Veggie Tale” videos, math and English workbooks, reading activities, trips to the park and other recreational activities.

For more information or to receive an application, call Stacy Antonovich at 234-2002.

FUMC diving into summer activities

First United Methodist Church, 332 E. Second St., has scheduled a variety of events for worship, spiritual growth, fellowship and service at the church throughout the summer, according to Pastor Steve Burnett.

Everyone is invited to “Dive Into Sunday Worship” at the 8:30 and 11 a.m. services. “Swimming with the Sacred in Everyday Life” is the theme for the summer.

Ongoing summer programs will be an intergenerational Summer Sunday School from 9:45-10:45 a.m. Adult Bible studies are scheduled 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, and on Wednesdays from 1-2:30 p.m. or 6-7:30 p.m.

The mission dinners on Wednesdays from 5-6:30 p.m. will go on through the summer. For $5 per person, proceeds go to worthy causes.

For more information, call 234-9385.

PV Christian announces activities

Paradise Valley Christian Church offers the regular service at 9 a.m. and a contemporary service at 10:30 a.m.

Sunday School classes for everyone will continue during each service.

For more information, call 234-2623.

Strong Tower Family schedules services

Strong Tower Family Church (STFC) meets at 4801 E. Second St., Suite 106, in the Triangle Plaza.

Pastors Nathaniel and Danielle Gallegos invite all interested people, especially those who have been hurt by the church, to attend services.

They are conducted on Sundays at 10 a.m. and Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Children's church is provided.

STFC is a non-denominational church, where people from all walks of life are welcomed to come and be "healed, restored, refreshed and made strong," a release said.

For more information, call 232-8353.

OSL services on summer schedule

Our Saviour's Lutheran Church has started the summer worship schedule.

OSL will hold a traditional service at 9 a.m. and a contemporary service at 6 p.m. Communion is served at all services.

For more information, call 237-9087.

“Living the Questions” series continues

First Congregational United Church of Christ continues to offer a series for seekers, doubters and questioners.

All are welcome to join in discussions on the big questions at 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays at 1511 S. Melrose.

“Living the Questions” is a liberal and progressive alternative to studies that attempt to give participants all of the answers.

The sessions consist of DVD conversations with some leading theologians, such as Marcus Borg and Walter Bruggerman; followed by your own opportunity to discuss the drawbacks, road blocks and gifts of the Christian faith.

Sessions are in a flexible format and do not require that you attend all, so come when you can. Bring your doubts and your questions. Wherever you are on life’s journey, you are welcome. Refreshments will be provided.

For more information, call Dee at 266-4447.

“Lutheran Hour” broadcast at 8:30 a.m.

The “Lutheran Hour” broadcast, sponsored by Mount Hope and Trinity Lutheran churches, is at 8:30 a.m. each Sunday on KKTL, 1400 AM in Casper.

It is produced by Lutheran Hour Ministries in St. Louis, Mo.

Wings Ministries meets Thursdays

Wings Ministries, an independent, full gospel fellowship and Bible study, meets every Thursday at 7 p.m. at 134 Midwest.

Mission interests are in India and the United States, and all mission-hearted people are encouraged to attend.

For more information, call Dana G. Smith at 472-3082 or 259-1848.

Cookbook for sale

“The Fruit of the Spirit” cookbook, put together by the Council of Catholic Women’s Casper Deanery, is for sale.

Proceeds from the sales will be given to the Catholic diocese’s diaconate program and to seminarians studying to be priests.

The $20 cookbook can be purchased at St. Anthony’s, Our Lady of Fatima or St. Patrick’s Catholic churches or at St. Anthony Tri-Parish Catholic School.

College Heights Baptist offers OASIS

OASIS Food Pantry/Clothes Closet has a variety of food and clothing available every week.

OASIS is located at the back of College Heights Community Center at 1927 S. Walnut and is open every Thursday from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Everyone is welcome, and there is no charge.

An educational nurse is available for any health care concerns from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Thursday.

Call 224-4111 for additional information.

Methodist Thrift Shop

The First United Methodist Thrift Shop, 611 W. Collins, has new inventory at low prices, including clothing, kitchen wares, domestics, books, toys and knick-knacks.

Hours are Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Donations are accepted during those hours.

For more information, call 234-6611.

Christ United Methodist Church has second service

The congregation at Christ United Methodist Church invites everyone to celebrate with them at a second service on the third Sunday of each month.

The public is invited to celebrate on Sunday, May 18, at 5:30 p.m. It begins with a light dinner and is followed by worship and singing of God’s praises.

The regular Sunday morning worship begins at 9:30 a.m. when the congregation explores the love and laughter of Jesus Christ in their lives.

“An imperfect church, imperfect pastor, imperfect members, invite imperfect visitors that God’s grace may abound,” according to a release from the church.

For more information, call 234-6371.

St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store

New summer items are being put out daily at St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store, 301 E. “H” St.

Donations are being accepted during business hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.

For more information or questions about donations, call Amanda at 237-2607.

Healing Rooms open

Healing Rooms of Casper are open on Mondays at 7 p.m. at the Sweetwater building, 538 E. "C" St., and are intra-denominational.

Trained ministry teams will minister Bible-based, Christ-centered prayer for those who need physical, emotional and financial healing. No appointment is necessary, and the prayer is free with no counseling.

Healing Rooms of Casper is associated with International Healing Rooms of Spokane, Wash., and have received training through them.

Local directors are Aura and Bill Kornkven.

The ministry team is available to serve the community and the Body of Christ, ministering a salvation message, the healing word, prayer and deliverance of the sick and an impartation of healing to the local church.

For more information, call 234-6182.

Poetry expresses human condition, Christ’s love

Inspired by a period of depression in her life that led to a suicide attempt, Peggy Ann Kennedy of Laramie has compiled spiritual and inspirational poetry.

In “Christ’s Walk with Me,” Kennedy addresses anyone who has ever struggled with depression.

After her relationship with Christ brought her out of the pit of depression, Kennedy heard her Lord speak to her regarding the plight of others suffering in the way she had.

She felt called to begin writing the poems that have become this book, in hopes that even one person could identify with and be rescued by Kennedy’s experiences.

Kennedy’s poems draw their energy from recognizing Christ’s glory. The deep undercurrent of melancholy throughout this book attests to the real trials of life, but its ultimate message is that of hope and redemption.

The book can be purchased online at Amazon.com or BookSurge.com and through additional wholesale and retail channels.

Midwest Community Church schedule

Midwest Community United Methodist Church, located at 150 Stock St. in Midwest, has an informal worship celebration each Sunday.

The service begins at 10 a.m., with lay speaker Chad Pearson filling the pulpit.

Everyone is welcome to attend.

All welcome at Lighthouse Baptist Church

Lighthouse Baptist Church, 2611 W. 24th St., invites everyone to its worship services.

Sunday School is at 10 a.m., and Sunday morning worship is at 11 a.m. There is a kids' service on Sunday morning also.

Evening worship on Sunday begins at 6 p.m.; Wednesday worship starts at 7 p.m.

A nursery is provided for every service, and transportation is available. Visitors always are welcome.

For more information, call the church at 234-5834.

First Baptist Church service times

First Baptist Church, 514 S. Beech, invites the community to join in Sunday services, with Bible class at 9 a.m., and worship at 10 a.m.

For more information, call 234-6946.

Faith Assembly of God's schedule

Faith Assembly of God, 4301 Casper Mountain Road, has announced its schedule.

Sunday School starts at 9 a.m., followed by the worship and children's services at 10 a.m.

All activities are open to the public and busing is available.

For more information, call the church at 265-9121.

Cornerstone Evangelical Free Church news

Cornerstone Evangelical Free Church, 4100 Casper Mountain Road, offers two worship services, and the public is welcome.

The traditional worship service starts at 8:15 a.m., Sunday School for all ages is at 9:30 a.m. and a contemporary service at 10:45 a.m.

Each service will consist of expository Bible preaching and Christ-honoring worship.

Children's ministries are available during Sunday School and the second service.

For more information, call the church office at 235-6363, or visit www.casperefree.org.

Interpreter for deaf available at Trinity Lutheran

Trinity Lutheran Church, 12th and Missouri streets, has acquired the services of an interpreter for the deaf.

Cathy Lando assists several deaf members of Trinity in understanding the liturgy, sermons and hymns during worship services.

A Missouri Synod congregation, Trinity Lutheran's worship services are at 9 a.m. each Sunday.

St. Mark's Episcopal schedule

St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 701 S. Wolcott, has services at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.

Services scheduled during the week include a healing service and Holy Eucharist at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, and Holy Eucharist is on the second Thursday each month at 9:30 a.m.

Prayers for peace will be offered at the church on Fridays at 12:10 p.m. in a 15-minute service.

For further information, call 234-0831.

Good Shepherd Lutheran activities

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 51 Primrose in Paradise Valley, behind Shepherd of the Valley Care Center, invites the public to any activities.

Worship begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by Sunday School classes for preschool and school-age children at 10:45 a.m. Adults will gather at 11 a.m. for study.

The church also hosts a women's Bible study on Thursdays at 6:45 p.m. Bring a friend and join women of all faiths in a time of study and prayer.

For more information, call the church office at 237-3503.

Akaloo continues at Our Saviour’s Lutheran

Akaloo is held at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 318 E. Sixth St.

Akaloo is a faith formation and spiritual growth program that teaches discipleship through intergenerational Bible study and activities.

Everyone in Casper is welcome to participate in this special time to learn how to be disciples of and to follow Jesus. Study classes are available for those over 3 years through adult.

Registration is continuous and family participation is encouraged. Childcare is provided for infants through 3 years of age.

Akaloo is held each Wednesday from 6:15-8 p.m. The program is sponsored by Casper Lutheran Youth Ministries (CLYM) and Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church.

For more information, call Crystal at 237-9087.

Single-again support group

Are you divorced, widowed or separated?

New Beginnings is a non-denominational program that offers support and direction in resolving the grief accompanying the end of a relationship. It is designed to help make a new beginning in life.

The group meets every Thursday from 7-9 p.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 400 Country Club Road.

For more information about the ongoing program, contact Lauretta at 235-3317 or La Verne at 237-7333.

Casper Alliance Church news

Casper Alliance Church, 1725 S. Jackson, offers services at 6 p.m. Saturdays, 11 a.m. Sundays and 6 p.m. Wednesdays. Sunday School starts at 9:45 a.m.

Anyone interested in the schedule of services is welcome to call the church office at 577-1847.

Methodist Men meet Mondays

Methodist Men meet on the first and third Mondays of every month at 7 a.m. in the back room of the Mountain View Sub Shop.

All interested men are invited to attend for food and fellowship.

OSL has Men's, Women's Breakfast groups

The Our Saviour's Lutheran Church Men's Breakfast Group meets at the Cheese Barrel, 544 S. Center, each Wednesday at 6:30 a.m.

All men who are up at that time are invited to join in the fellowship, discussions on life issues and Christian faith.

The Women's Breakfast Group meets on the first, third and fifth Tuesdays at 6:30 a.m. at the Cheese Barrel.

For more information, call 237-9087.

Men's prayer breakfast set monthly

A men's pancake and prayer breakfast is scheduled on Saturday, Oct. 20, and will continue on the last Saturday of every month, at First Church of the Nazarene, 2020 S. Jefferson.

The breakfasts will begin at 9 a.m. and will include pancakes, fellowship, devotional and prayer. All men are invited.

For more information, call 234-9601.

HPCC Celebrate Recovery facilitates healing

Celebrate Recovery happens every Friday at 5:30 p.m. in the Highland Park Church Discipleship Center.

The purpose of Celebrate Recovery is to celebrate God's healing through eight biblical recovery principles.

Change occurs by sharing experiences, strengths and hopes and by being willing to accept God's grace in solving life's problems.

By working through the biblical principles, spiritual growth begins, as well as a stronger relationship with God and others.

The atmosphere is one of acceptance and grace, a safe place to express your deepest concerns, fears, failures, painful experiences to find hope.

Join in the food, fellowship, worship and inspirational teaching. The cost for the meal is a $3 suggested donation or maximum donation of $10 for a family.

Child care is provided for children through fifth grade.

For more information, call 265-4073 or visit <http://hpcc.cc/cr/>.

St. Stephen's has labyrinth

St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 4700 S. Poplar, invites everyone to use its labyrinth, which is open from dawn to dusk on the south side of the church.

The entrance is on the side nearest the church (back to church and facing mountain). You can choose how you walk the path - stop and pray entering the labyrinth, stop and pray at chosen locations or just stop when the Spirit moves you.

The 32x32-foot dyed concrete pad has 11 circuits.

For more information, call Ann at 235-6975, or the church office at 265-4105.

Joshua's Storehouse needs support

Joshua's Storehouse and Distribution Center is seeking one-time, tax-deductible donations or committed monthly support to help feed and clothe families in need each month.

A non-profit corporation, Joshua's Storehouse receives no government, United Way or other major charitable funding. Joshua's serves many people each month with bakery products, clothing, coats and shoes.

Local grocery stores donate bread and other baked goods daily, frequently adding dairy products, fruits and vegetables. Although some is donated, nearly all meat, canned goods, cereal and other items for food boxes must be purchased.

For more information, call 265-0242 or stop by 1700 W. 1st St.

Community of Hope worships on Saturdays

Community of Hope has worship services at Casper Open Bible Church, 2955 E. 2nd St. (near Hobby Lobby).

The public is invited to join in the Christ-centered, energetic praise and worship every Saturday at 7 p.m. A children's program and a nursery are available during the service.

For more information, call 472-HOPE(4673).

Unitarian Universalists services

Unitarian Universalists hold regular Sunday services through June 1 at 9 a.m. at First Congregational Church, 15th and Melrose streets.

Everyone is invited to attend. For more information, call 266-3350.

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