Pottstown-area churches schedule worship services, special events

St. Paul’s UCC

POTTSTOWN — St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 927 N. Franklin St., invites you to join us for worship on Sunday, Oct. 1, at 9 a.m. We will celebrate the sacrament of Holy Communion. Our service will also be broadcast live on our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/stpaulsuccpottstown. We will hold a Take-Out Only Pot Pie Dinner on Saturday, Oct. 21. Dinners are $12 each and include a quart of PotPie, pepper cabbage, roll and dessert. To place your order, call 610-323-2068. Orders are due by Oct. 15. Our Diaper Bank will now be open only on the fourth Wednesday of the month, from 10 am -12 noon. The next date is Oct. 25. The Diaper Bank assists Pottstown families in need with diapers, wipes and other baby essentials.

Trinity UCC

POTTSTOWN — Sunday Worship Service at Trinity UCC, 60 N. Hanover St., will take place at Zion’s UCC in-person and live-streamed on YouTube on Sunday, Oct. 1, at 10:15. Communion will be served. The Community meal will be served on Tuesday, Oct. 3, at 5 PM. See our ad below for office hours and contact information. All are welcome.

Bethel Community

POTTSTOWN — Saturday at 11 a.m., the Sisters in Spirit Women’s Ministry will meet in the Library. Inviting all women of BCCP and community interested in being part of a Christian Women’s Fellowship. On Sunday at 10 a.m., it’s “Community Sunday School” for all ages. Encouraging all members (especially children, youth, young adults) and friends of BCCP to join us for Sunday school. At 11 a.m., it’s Morning Worship for the “Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost” when we observe the Lord’s Supper to commune with our Lord, Jesus Christ. We extend a special invitation to those seeking a Church Home to join us. The service is also Live on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BCCP575. The BCCP Food Pantry is Closed on Monday. On Tuesday at 6 p.m. and Thursday at 12 p.m., it’s In-Person (Library) and Virtual Community Bible Study by calling 215-383-1625 Code 198087.

First UCC

ROYERSFORD — First UCC, 367 Washington St., will hold Sunday School at 10 a.m. Worship will be held at 11 a.m., with Rev. Ruth Sheets preaching. World Communion Sunday, Neighbors In Need special mission offering collected. AA on Thursdays at 8 p.m.

Zion’s UCC

POTTSTOWN — Oct. 1 is World Communion Sunday and Zion’s welcomes all to an in-person joint worship service with Trinity UCC at 10:15 am.   Zion’s United Church of Christ, Hanover and Chestnut streets welcomes Missionaries Crosby and Sally Jane Johnson. They will share some of their ministry experiences from Costa Rica.  There will be a luncheon reception in the Chapel Building following the service. Sunday School for youth and adults will be at 9 a.m. in the Chapel Building. For those who wish to worship virtually, you are welcome to join us LIVE or later on Zion’s Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/zionsucc.

First Baptist

POTTSTOWN — This Sunday, Oct. 1, at 4:30 p.m. we’ll gather for worship in person and on Zoom. Pastor Marcia will meditate on “Extravagance Forgiveness.” To join the Zoom meeting, use the link on our website: www.FBCPottstown.org Sunday at 3:15 p.m. our Learning Community will meet to discuss the book titled, “The Bible With and Without Jesus: How Jews and Christians Read the Same Stories Differently.” We will be meeting from 3:15-4 p.m. each Sunday in the Library at 575 N Keim St., or you can join on Zoom from our website. Our book group is reading “The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store” by James McBride, a novel set right here in Pottstown! On the 1st and 3rd Tuesday is an online group from 7-8 p.m.; on the 1st and 3rd Wed is an in-person group from 6:30-7:30 in the Library at 575 N Keim. The in-person group will not meet on Oct. 4 but will meet on Oct. 11. Wednesday, Oct. 4, is the Interfaith Cluster of Religious Communities fundraiser at Rivet on High Street. It begins at 5:30 p.m. The Pottstown Latino Festival has been rescheduled. Still at Riverfront Park but now Saturday, Sept 30, 12 p.m. On Sat the 30th the LGBT Center of Greater Reading hosts “Out in the Park ” at First Energy Stadium. FBC will be tabling at this event; stop by to say hello or volunteer to welcome folks to our table! Saturday is also the Bethel Community Church Flea market. The event starts at 7:30 a.m.

First Presbyterian

POTTSTOWN — Join First Presbyterian Church of Pottstown, 750 N. Evans St., on World Communion Sunday, Oct. 1, for Sunday School at 9:15 a.m. and worship at 10:30 a.m. The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper will be celebrated during worship.

Congregation Hesed Shel Emet

POTTSTOWN — Sukkot on Sept 30. Simhat Torah Service and brunch on Oct. 8. Shabbat service on Oct. 14. Services are both in-person and virtual, via Zoom. Visitors are welcome. Rabbi Cynthia Kravitz hosts noontime and evening adult education sessions. Contact: 610-326-1717. Email: Hesedshelemet575@gmail.com.

St. James Lutheran

LIMERICK — St James Lutheran Church is located at 93 Kugler Road. This Sunday, Oct. 1, there will be one service at 10 a.m. that will be a combination of the Contemporary and Traditional services. Holy Communion will be served and all are welcome to participate. Age-appropriate Christian education classes take place after the Children’s Sermon. Service live streamed on our website at st jameslimerick.org. Put Saturday, October 14th on your calendar. That is our Apple Festival This benefits the ministries of St. James and Lutheran Disaster Response. This event includes great food including an All You Can Eat Apple Streusel Pancake Breakfast, Lunch, Silent Auction, Flea Market, 50/50 Raffle, Baked Goods, free Children’s Games, a Bounce House, and 18 artistic and craft vendors. New this year – a Petting Zoo where you can pet, brush and feed a variety of friendly farm animals from 10 -12 and Spay & Save – adopt a cat or dog from 11 – 1 and a 35-member Exeter Community Band will perform from 11-12. A Limerick fire truck will also be there from 11-12.

Emmanuel Lutheran

POTTSTOWN — You are invited to join Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 150 N. Hanover St., this Sunday for worship at 10:45 AM. The service features traditional and contemporary aspects. Pastor Burlington Latshaw will preside over the communion service. Barbara Bainbridge, Janet Pavlik, and Charles and Monica Wagg will be received as members. Services are broadcast live on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/EmmanuelPottstown. Share your abundance with others as we observe Harvest Home on Sunday, Oct. 8. Non-perishable canned goods will be collected for the Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities. Place your donations on the table in the first-floor hallway. Sunday School – Children meet in the Children’s Library each Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Adults will meet on Sunday, Oct. 8, at 9:30 a.m. in the Genesis Room. Then, beginning in November the adult class will be held on the first Sunday of each month. The next Dinner Church evening of food, fellowship & scripture is on Thursday, Oct. 19, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Reservations are required, call the church office at 610-323-4312 if you would like to attend. Join us on Sunday, Oct. 15, at 3 p.m. for a Hymn Sing in our Sanctuary. Light refreshments will be served.

Cedarville UMC

NORTH COVENTRY — Join us Sunday at 1092 Laurelwood Road for services at 8 a.m. & 11 a.m. (Traditional), and 9:30 a.m. (Contemporary) as we celebrate World Communion Sunday at all services. Visit www.cedarvilleumc.org for resources and live-streamed worship (also on FB) or recorded services after Sunday. Over 30 women are attending a weekend retreat at Black Rock Retreat in Quarryville enjoying a time of sharing, learning, and fellowshipping together as women of faith. Save the date: Sunday, Oct. 15, 9 a.m. to 12 noon. We will have a special opportunity to act upon the words of Jesus and prepare 10,800 meals (that is not a misprint!) through “Rise Against Hunger.”

St. Luke Lutheran

GILBERTSVILLE — Join us at St. Luke Lutheran Church, Wilson Ave., for worship on Sunday at 9:30, a.m. for the Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost. Dennis Faust, of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Obelisk, will lead us in worship. The gospel for the day is Matthew 21:23-32, A parable of doing God’s will. Kathy Billger will serve as lector. Services are broadcast at 91.3 FM and livestreamed at stlukegilbertsville.org. COMMUNITY CLOTHING RACK will be open for shoppers on Oct. 4 from 1-4 p.m. for donations and for shoppers on Oct. 11, 18, and 25.

St. Gabriel Catholic

STOWE — Join us for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Wilson and Deacon Ray celebrate Mass on Saturday at 4 p.m. and Mass on Sunday morning at 9 a.m. (the Rosary will be recited prior to Mass). Confessions are heard on Saturday afternoon from 3 to 3:45 p.m. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is every Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. (closing with Benediction). We are now live-streaming services at https://stgabrielstowepa.org/livestream/ Those who ordered Zook’s Apple Dumplings and Chicken Pot Pies – pick up your order this Saturday, Sept. 30, between 12-2 p.m. in the Social Hall. Father Wilson will have a Blessing of the Animals in honor of the Feast Day of St. Francis on Sunday morning at 11 a.m. in the church yard near the gazebo. American Red Cross Blood Drive – Oct. 2 and Oct. 16 from 2-7 p.m. in the church social hall. Call 1-800-RED-CROSS to make an appointment. For more information visit our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/sgsmstowe or our website https://stgabrielstowepa.org

St. John’s ELC

BOYERTOWN — As children of God and disciples of Christ seeking peace and justice in the world, we welcome, affirm, and include all people into the fullness of God’s love. Join us for worship Sundays at 9:30 a.m. and livestreamed on YouTube (St. John’s ELC Boyertown). Register online for Sunday School. Free drive-through, take-out meal every Saturday evening from 4:30-5:30 pm. No registration necessary. For updates and further details, check our website at stjohnsboyertown.org or call the office at 610.369.1024.

Christ Lutheran

BARTO — Christ Lutheran Church will worship on this the Eighteenth Sunday of Pentecost on Sunday, Oct. 1, at 9 a.m. with Pr. Matthew Finney leading us in a Holy Communion worship, as well as presenting the sermon. We are introducing “Children’s Chapel” on this Sunday during the service. Members and friends are encouraged to bring their children, grandchildren, etc. to worship then during the service the children will gather and be taught the lesson of the day, at their level, conclude with the Lord’s Prayer and then return to the service for the conclusion. The Property committee will meet on Monday, Oct. 2, at 7 p.m. in the Welcome Center. The Handbell Choir will practice on Wednesday, Oct. 4 at 6:30 p.m. and the Senior Choir that evening at 7:30 p.m. The church is located at 222 Niantic Road between Routes 663 and 100 about a mile east of Bally.

Bethel UMC

SPRING CITY — Bethel United Methodist Church, 952 Bethel Church Road, invites you to join us this Sunday, October 1, for praise service at 8:30 a.m. or worship service at 10:30 a.m., led by Pastor John Keretzman. Our annual Christmas Bazaar is being held on Saturday, Nov. 11. Soup pre-orders have started! We have Vegetable Beef, Chicken Corn Noodle, Pot Pie, and Ham & Bean available this year for $10 per quart. Contact the main office at 610-495-6807 or email Betheloffice952@aol.com. We look forward to seeing you at the Bazaar! Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bethelumchurch or visit our website at https://bethelumchurch.com for more information on church activities.

Grace Lutheran

POTTSTOWN — Grace Lutheran Church, 660 N. Charlotte St., welcomes you to worship with us as we observe the 18th Sunday after Pentecost at 10:15 AM with Pastor Lauren Cain presiding over the communion service. The service will be live-streamed on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/GLCPottstown. Children’s Sunday School is held every Sunday at 10:15 a.m. All children ages 3-5 years old are welcome. The Adult Faith Formation class will gather after service for the second lesson in our Animate series-Religion/ Spirituality is not enough. We are collecting non-perishable food items for Harvest Home on Sunday, October 8th. Items collected will be distributed to neighborhood families in need, at our Pop-Up Pantry beginning at 12:00 PM in Parish Hall that Sunday. Any items not distributed will be delivered to the Pottstown Cluster. Ringing Hills Chorus will present Rollin’ Along with Ringing Hills Chorus on Saturday, Nov. 4, at 2 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church.

Coventryville UMC

SOUTH COVENTRY — The Coventryville Thrift Shop will be open on Saturday, Sept. 30, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Stop in, spend, and save on the unique inventory of clothes, accessories, home goods, and more! On Sunday, join us for traditional worship at 10:30 AM. The Rev. Dr. Jeff Raffauf will lead this Communion service. Visit in person or view the live stream from home on the Coventryville UMC YouTube Channel. Little Learners Christian Preschool will be in session Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9-11:30 a.m. with an extended-day lunch option. On Tuesday from 4-6 PM, there is a frozen food giveaway of Wawa breakfast sandwiches. Pick up early while supplies last! Bazaar preparations are underway with weekly meetings on Tuesdays from 6:30-8 p.m. in the Chrisman House. Come craft and plan with us. Inquiries about church activities may be directed to 610-469-9350 or emailed to church@coventryvilleumc.com.

St John Hill UCC

BOYERTOWN — St. John-Hill Church is hosting a Buckwheat Pancake & Sausage Supper from 3-6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7, in the Hill Church Picnic Grove Dining Hall, 620 Hill Church Road, Boyertown. Adults $11.00 – Children 3 – 10 years $6.00. Take-out orders $1.00 extra. Dinner Includes Sausage, Buckwheat Pancakes, Home Fries, Dessert & Beverage. Dine in or take out. For more information, call 610-367-8114 or visit http://www.stjohnhillucc.org.

Trinity Reformed UCC

COLLEGEVILLE — Trinity Reformed Church UCC is sponsoring its Second Annual Pumpkin Patch to Collegeville. The Patch will take place at 532 E. Main St., Collegeville, directly across from Ursinus College, from Oct. 7 through Oct. 29. The Patch will be open weekdays from noon to 6 p.m., with sales on weekends beginning at 10:30 a.m. There is plenty of parking available on the premises. Visit Trinity to purchase a variety of pumpkins and gourds to carve and/or display! Money raised will be used, among other things, to make the building handicapped accessible for all. For more information, visit www.collegeville.church

St. Joseph Catholic

ROYERSFORD — The Women of St. Joseph Catholic Church will be hosting its 18th Annual Basket Raffle on Sunday, Oct. 15. The location is the Royersford Firehouse on 269 Green St., Royersford PA 19468 The doors will open at 12 p.m. with the drawings starting at 2 p.m. Admission is $25 which includes a sheet of 25 drawing tickets and a door prize ticket. Additional sheets of 25 tickets can be purchased for $6 each. Light refreshments will be served. Bringing food and drinks are permitted, excluding alcohol. Participants must be at least 18 years of age. There will be additional drawings for Grand Prizes, Sweepstakes and a 50/50 drawing.

SUBMIT YOUR NEWS: Area houses of worship are invited to share their news for our weekly listings. Email information to Mercury Editor Tony Phyrillas at tphyrillas@pottsmerc.com. Submissions will run on a space-available basis and are subject to editing. The information must be submitted before noon on Thursday for publication in Saturday’s edition. Please use the words “Church News” in the subject line of the email.