St. Michael’s student Benny Naegeli attends Ash Wednesday services at St. Michael Catholic Church. Wednesday, March 2, 2022. (Tom Russo | Daily Reporter)
Services mark start of Lent
Wednesday is Ash Wednesday, marking the start of Lent. Many Christians use this 40 days a time for reading, services and other ways of reflecting leading up to Easter.
The following local churches are among those planning Ash Wednesday services:
8:30 a.m.: St. Michael Catholic Church
noon: St. Thomas Catholic Church
6 p.m.: St. Michael Catholic Church
6:30 p.m.: Cross of Grace Lutheran Church
7 p.m.: Bradley United Methodist Church, Faith Lutheran Church, Mohawk United Methodist Church, Otterbein United Methodist Church, St. John United Church of Christ
Gumbo gathering has Mardi Gras theme
GREENFIELD — A gumbo meal will be served from 4-7 p.m. Saturday (Feb. 10) at Mt. Lebanon Community Church, 3447 S. State Road 9.
Donations will be accepted.
Free dinner is Thursday
CUMBERLAND — St. John United Church of Christ will serve a free community meal from 5-6:30 p.m. Thursday. The church is located at 11910 E. Prospect St. Everyone is welcome.
Information: 317-894-7958, www.stjucc.com
McCordsville breakfast is Feb. 17
McCORDSVILLE — McCordsville United Methodist Church’s next community breakfast will be from 7:30-10 a.m. Feb. 17 at the church, 6247 W. Broadway, McCordsville.
Loss of a Spouse program offers support
KNIGHTSTOWN — Loss of a Spouse is a one-time, 2-hour stand-alone program. It will be offered from 10 a.m. to noon March 16 in the Friends Center at Knightstown Friends Church. Those grieving the death of their spouse or partner are welcome, regardless of how recently or long ago the death occurred.
It covers topics such as:
-Should I be surprised by my grief reactions?
-What’s going on with my body?
-Why does my grief come out of nowhere?
-What if I can’t stop crying?
-Is it OK if I don’t cry?
-Can I numb my pain?
-How do I deal with loneliness?
-Will it help if I go to God?
-Can I be honest with God?
More topics are offered that deal with moving forward into a “new normal” after a loss. This one-time program is similar to the regular 13-week GriefShare format and includes a booklet, video and discussion. The video features interviews with counselors, grief experts, and widowed men and women.
Registration is available at Griefshare.org. Enter the zip code 46148 and choose the Knightstown Friends group. Walk-ins are welcome, and supportive friends or family members are encouraged to bring or accompany the bereaved individual.
Cost is $5 if one wishes to keep the booklet.
Call Jennifer Cochrane for more information at 317-696-0785.
8:28 Retreat aims to empower
McCORDSVILLE — Jill O’Boyle was depleted. Exhausted. Overwhelmed.
“I was digging my own grave,” she says, before “a rock bottom moment and a desperate act of surrender changed the trajectory of my life.”
Now, six years later, the McCordsville resident leads a retreat to help other women embrace their potential, believing others feel the same exhaustion and overwhelm she once did.
The next 8:28 Retreat is set for 9 a.m.-4 p.m. March 8 at Heartland Church in Fishers. Tickets (available on Eventbrite) are $95 and include breakfast, lunch, an on-purpose assessment and workbook. Learn more at jilloboyle.com.
Group for mothers starts soon
GREENFIELD — RealMoms will meeting bi-weekly, starting Wednesday, at St. James Lutheran Church, 1741 S. State St.
This support group from Realife Church will have meetings from 10-11:30 a.m. the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at St. James.
Childcare and a light breakfast are provided. Gatherings include speakers and encouragement in the profession of motherhood. It’s free and open to moms.
Personal care items sought
GREENFIELD — In support of Love INC and the local community, St. James Lutheran Church is a collection and distribution spot for household and personal care items to those in need. It is always collecting paper products, hygiene products, laundry soap, cleaning supplies and personal care supplies for this the H2O Ministry. The church is located at 1741 S. State St.
