Local worship news and notes

Get checked out

BAPS Charities at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, 2021 Township Line Road, Hatfield, presents a Health Fair Day from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Get screened for diabetes, cholesterol, obesity and blood pressure, plus get your eyes, teeth, feet and skin checked. Health education lectures and materials for various topics, including the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), will also be available. Call Dhaval at (302) 727-1010 or Manish at (215) 900-2234.

Angels in our community

Trinity Lutheran Church, 1000 W. Main St., Lansdale, will honor all police, firefighters, EMTs and all first responders during worship services at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 28 and 8:15, 9:30, 10:45 a.m. Sept. 29. On Sept. 29, there will be displays with information about the work of first responders and a training event for household disaster preparation, plus handouts and tools to help your own emergency preparedness. That weekend is the Feast of St. Michael and the Archangels, honoring God’s angels and messengers in our midst. Trinity is a disaster relief emergency location and partners with police and fire officials to offer short-term shelter to survivors displaced by fire and storms.

Society of Friends

Who are the Quakers? What do they believe? How do they worship and live their lives? A six-week series of free talks, “Exploring the Quaker Way &; Quakerism in a Nutshell,” is held 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays Oct. 2-Nov. 6 at Gwynedd Friends Meetinghouse, Route 202 and Sumneytown Pike, Lower Gwynedd. Join in at any time.

Support trucker ministry

The Bucks-Montgomery Transport For Christ chapter presents its third annual Truck Show 2 to 6 p.m. today at Jason Shelley’s shop behind Franconia Mennonite Church, 613 Harleysville Pike, Franconia. The features a concert by The Gospel Harmony Echoes. Refreshment will be available; bring a lawn chair. Trucks, show cars and pick-ups are welcome. The Transport For Christ Mobile Chapel will be on display. For information contact Jason at (267) 718-2841.

Shop it

Calvary Church, 820 Route 113, Hilltown, holds a Mothers Market from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. today. Admission is $1; no strollers.

Trinity United Church of Christ, 101 S. Main St., Telford, will be having a Pre-Holiday Flea Market 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 5. Weather permitting, it will be held outdoors. For $10, the church will provide a 10 x 10 spot to sell your treasures. Please provide your own table and chair. There will be baked goods and other foods to purchase. Call (215) 257-4025.

A Rummage Sale will be held 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 4 at Gwynedd Square Presbyterian Church, 837 Sumneytown Pike, Upper Gwynedd. The Bag Sale will be 8 to 11 a.m. Oct. 5. Gently used items for sale will include clothing, accessories, books, linens, small household items, costume jewelry, games and toys. Call (215) 699-9159.

Healing process

Debra Ryan of the Penn Foundation will present the program “Instilling Hope, Inspiring Change, Building Community” for everyone interested in learning about mental illness, support programs and available resources. Questions and discussion will be welcome. This presentation will start at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 6 in rooms 125-127 at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1000 W. Main St., Lansdale.

'Digital Dharma'

The Philadelphia premiere of the international award-winning documentary “Digital Dharma: One Man’s Mission to Save a Culture” takes places at 7 p.m. Sept. 26 in the Perelman Theatre at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia. “Digital Dharma” is an epic story of a cultural rescue and how one man’s mission became the catalyst for an international movement to find, save and provide open access to the story of the Tibetan people. The film follows E. Gene Smith, a Mormon from Utah who spent 50 years working with Buddhist scholars, Tibetan lamas and laypeople to preserve and digitize more than 20,000 volumes of ancient Tibetan text threatened with extinction during China’s political turmoil in the 1950s and 1960s. Visit www.facebook.com/digitaldharma.

Discuss

Trinity Lutheran Church, 1000 W. Main St., Lansdale, offers a 10-week discussion on the book “10 Dumb Things Smart Christians Believe” by Larry Osborne. It begins Sunday and sign ups are in Hyson Hall for sessions on Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays.

Pilgrimage

An Archdiocese of Philadelphia Year of Faith Pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington D.C. is set for Oct. 5. Busses will depart from St. Maria Goretti Parish at 7 a.m. and from Corpus Christi Parish at 7:15 a.m. The day will begin at noon with a brief Penance Service and the opportunity to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. A procession, crowning of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and praying of the rosary will follow. The pilgrimage will conclude with a 3 p.m. Solemn Mass with Archbishop Charles Chaput as celebrant and homilist. There will also be a stop at Union Station for dinner (at one’s own expense). Cost is $30 per person (children accompanied by an adult $15). Pre-registration and pre-payment are required for this event. Payment is non-refundable but is transferable to another person. Please register through mail (include name, phone and email); no phone or email reservations will be accepted. Mail to: Saint Maria Goretti Parish c/o Angela McClellan 1601 Derstine Road Hatfield, PA 19440 or Corpus Christi Parish c/o Angela McClellan 900 Sumneytown Pike Lansdale, PA 19446.

Work out

Join the aerobics classes offered at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays or Thursdays at Grace United Methodist Church, 295 S. Main St., Telford.

Celebrate Sukkot

If you like to camp out under the stars, join Congregation Beth Or for a Sukkot Camp Out, starting at 6 p.m. tonight. Pitch your tents by the pond and enjoy family activities and s’mores. Roll out of bed the next day and go to Sunday school. RSVP by Sept. 16 to Elisa at [email protected].

Bring your lunch and join Rabbi Gerber at 12:30 p.m. Sept. 23 in the Goldstein Sukkah at Congregation Beth Or, 239 Welsh Road, Upper Dublin, to eat and enjoy a holiday talk, “A Guide to Seeing God: Sukkot’s Greatest Teaching.”

Special guests

Dr. Nadine Rosechild-Sullivan will speak at the September Meeting of the New Hope Metaphysical Society about “The Secret” and the Laws of Manifestation at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 25 at Pebble Hill Church, 320 Edison-Furlong Road, Doylestown. Rosechild-Sullivan, a sociologist and spiritual counselor, recently published a book entitled “Turn Your Life Around! Expand Your Use of The Secret & Manifest Intentionally in Every Area of Your Life.” Light refreshments will be available. Admission is $10. Call Amy at (215) 242-0185 or the church at (215) 348-3428 or go to www.spiritsvision.com or www.pebblehillchurch.org.

John Ruth presents the message “As Far as it Depends on You” during the 10:15 a.m. Sunday service at Franconia Mennonite Church, Route 113, Franconia.

Ambler Church of the Brethren, 351 E. Butler Ave., Ambler, welcomes David Radcliff, Director of New Community Project, for a special Sunday school and Worship Message Sept. 29. Sunday school for all ages starts at 9:30 a.m., with worship at 10:45. All are invited to attend. Visit www.amblercob.org, email [email protected], or check out the Ambler Church of the Brethren Facebook page.

The DPC Forum at Doylestown Presbyterian Church will feature the Rev. Dr. C. Clifton Black from Princeton Theological Seminary at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 24 in the Celtic Cross Room. The title of Dr. Black’s Talk will be, “The Lord’s Prayer &; Whose Kingdom, Whose Power, Whose Glory?”. Refreshments will be served. Parking is available in the church lot at Church Street and Selner Lane, Doylestown and in the county lots at either Court Street and Broad Street or North Main Street. For more information, contact the church office at (215) 348-3531 or email [email protected]. Also, visit www.dtownpc.org.

Let’s sing

The United Schwenkfelder Choir &; a community choir &; will hold rehearsals at 7:30 p.m. every Monday until December. No audition is necessary and all voice parts are needed. The choir meets at Central Schwenkfelder Church, 2111 Valley Forge Road, Worcester. For more information, call (215) 393-9974 or send an email to [email protected].

Auditions for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia Boys Choir are held Sept. 28. Contact Tom for more information at (215) 425-6995.

Help others

Indian Creek Church of the Brethren, 821 Main St., Lower Salford, hosts a Voices For Freedom concert with local musicians to raise funds and awareness of human trafficking. Show time is 3 p.m. Sunday.

Join Christ Lutheran Church of Kulpsville, Habitat for Humanity, and Thrivent Builds to provide housing for two families in Hatfield. They are reaching out to businesses, churches, civic organizations and individuals to come together around this project. Christ Lutheran announced in a press release that they are “thrilled to already have W.B. Homes as a partner in The Convergence.” The big day for “The Convergence” will be Oct. 6, but there will be opportunities both before and after this date behind the scenes. For more information on volunteering, call the church office at (215) 256-8738 or register at www.christlc.org. Click on “The Convergence” tile.

St. Maria Goretti Parish, 1601 Derstine Road, Hatfield, is accepting donations today in the Ministries Room of the church of canned food (fruit, meats, soups, sauces, peanut butter and applesauce), toiletries, coffee, tea, etc. for Shepherd’s Shelf. In addition, Catholic Social Services of Montgomery County needs school supplies.

A food drive in honor of the High Holidays to benefit Manna on Main Street is held through Sept. 30 in the lobby of the Religious School at Congregation Beth Or, 239 Welsh Road, Upper Dublin. The following goods are especially needed right now: Canned fruit; peanut butter and jelly; canned soups (tomato, chicken, cream, mixed vegetable); canned beets, peas, potatoes and tomatoes; canned meats (chicken, turkey, chilli, beef stew, chicken dumpling, salmon); rice; pasta; pasta sauce; pasta meals; baby food; formula; diapers; personal items and toiletries; fresh vegetables and fruit.

During September, Christ Covenant Church, 2200 Mainland Road, Towamencin, will be supporting Shepherd’s Shelf in Kulpsville with donations of non-perishable food/items. Supplies especially needed in restocking the pantry are: canned soups, canned fruits/vegetables, stewed tomatoes, tomato paste, fruit juice (apple, cranberry and orange) in plastic containers, peanut butter and jelly, tuna, beef stew, spaghetti sauce, chili, pasta, instant potatoes, scalloped potatoes, minute rice, hamburger helper and Spaghetti-O’s. Contributions may be dropped off at the church office 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 9 a.m. to noon Sundays. Call (215) 256-8101 or visit www.christ-covenant.org.

Plains Mennonite Church, 50 W. Orvilla Road, Hatfield, invites the public to donate supplies for Hygiene Kits, containing (in original packaging) an adult-size toothbrush, one squeeze-tube toothpaste (minimum 6 ounces), a large bar of bath soap, a good quality fingernail clipper, and a dark color hand towel (larger than fingertip). Hygiene kits are often presented to displaced people who do not have access to hygiene supplies. Some are given through schools or orphanages to encourage children in healthy habits. People in such countries as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea), Haiti and Bosnia and Herzegovina have received hygiene kits in the past few years. Call (215) 362-7640 or visit www.PlainsMennoniteChurch.org for details. Drop off supplies at the church by the end of November.

Fun times

The Country Fair is held 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at Central Schwenkfelder Church on Valley Forge Road in Worcester. Entertainment includes the church’s Brasswind Choir, the women’s ensemble Light Hearted, the band Downbeat@3 and Central Schwenkfelder’s praise band 4-Giv’n. The North Penn S-Gaugers will run a model railway in the Community Center, and there will be an antique and classic car cruise, tractor rides, and face painting and games for children. At the “Stitches for Missions” booth, visitors can view and purchase raffle tickets for a queen-sized quilt, “Eight Pointed Star.” The winning ticket will be drawn at the church’s Country Auction on Nov. 9. Other highlights include food, a live auction of household items, a sale of gently-used clothing, The Book Stall, Attic Treasures, Kid’s Treasures, The Country Market, and a fresh flower booth. Call (610) 584-4480.

All are welcome at Saint Maria Goretti Parish’s 60th anniversary picnic, which follows a 4 p.m. Vigil Mass today. Contact the Parish Center at (215) 721-0199 for information.

Hopewell Christian Fellowship, 601 Hunsicker Road, Franconia, hosts the Franconia Township Police Department Bike Rodeo from 10 a.m. to noon today. Registration is from 9 to 9:45. Bike riders in grades 1&;8 are especially encouraged to attend. Get your bike inspected, test your bike safety knowledge and try out the obstacle course. Participants may enter a drawing to win a new 20-inch boys or girls bike. A representative from New York Life Child ID program will be on site. The rain date will be 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Visit www.hopewellchristianfellowship.com.

Start training

Lace up your walking shoes for the 2013 Friends of the Poor Walk on Sept. 28. Members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Greater Philadelphia will be taking to the sidewalks of East Norriton to raise money on behalf of the poor. Members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul at St. Maria Goretti Parish in Hatfield, a lay organization, work person-to-person with our neighbors to both relieve immediate needs and to support their struggle to get out of poverty.

The Friends of the Poor Walk is a fundraising effort that is coordinated nationally and organized locally by the Conferences and Councils of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. It allows community members from all walks of life across the country to join together to raise awareness of the challenges faced by the poor and to raise significant funds for use in direct service to the poor. All funds raised locally will be used locally. To sign up to walk or to pledge support, go to www.svdpusa.net/fop or contact a member of Team Goretti at the Parish Center at (215) 721-0199.

St. Rose of Lima’s second annual “I CAN HELP” 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run will be held in North Wales at 8:30 a.m. Oct. 12. This event is open to the public. Runners and spectators are encouraged to bring canned goods on the day of the race to support the Nor-Gwyn Food Cupboard, the North Wales area food pantry that helps families that have fallen on hard times. 5K entry is $20 and the 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk entry is $10. The 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run start and end at the Parish Center, 425 Pennsylvania Ave., North Wales. The scenic 5K and 1 Mile routes travel through the Borough of North Wales and Upper Gwynedd Township neighborhoods. There will be prizes, refreshments and music. All ages and experience levels welcome. Visit www.srol.org or call (215) 699-4617. Optional online registration is available at www.pretzelcitysports.com.

Special services

On Sunday, the combined congregations of the Schwenkfelder churches will meet at the Schwenkfelder Missionary Church in Philadelphia to observe its 280th Day of Remembrance and Thanksgiving (Ged&;chtnestag). This memorial day service is the oldest continual thanksgiving in the country, according to W. Kyrel Meschter, a retired banker from Worcester and author of “20th Century Schwenkfelders.”

The Schwenkfelders are the spiritual descendants of the Silesian nobleman, Caspar Schwenckfeld von Ossig. A scholar, reformer and prolific writer, Schwenckfeld endeavored to aid in the cause of the Protestant Reformation. A contemporary of Martin Luther, John Calvin and Ulrich Zwingli, Schwenckfeld sought no following. He formulated no creed, and did not attempt to organize a church based on his beliefs. He labored for a reformation of life, for liberty of religious belief, for a fellowship of all believers and for one united, ecumenical Christian Church.

He and his co-believers, numbering many thousands by the middle of the 16th century, supported a movement that was popularly known as “the Reformation by the Middle Way.” Ultimately, 210 Schwenkfelders fled Silesia due to persecution and emigrated to Pennsylvania between 1731 and 1737. The largest group landed at Philadelphia on Sept. 22, 1734 and affirmed their allegiance to the crown of Great Britain on the 23rd. The following day they held a service of thanksgiving to God for their deliverance from persecution, and their safe arrival in the New World. Since then, the Schwenkfelders have observed an annual day of remembrance and thanksgiving.

Trinity United Church of Christ, 101 N. Main St., Telford, be holding a combined multicultural service with the Centro Cristiano congregation at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 6. A potluck dinner will follow the service in the Fellowship Hall of Trinity UCC. An open invitation is extended to the surrounding community to come and enjoy this celebration, featuring bluegrass music from Trinity and ethnic music from Centro Cristiano.

This traditional service includes traditional hymns, a message and a unison prayer, and is followed by a traditional meal of bread and apple butter and the singing of the Memorial Day hymn “Their Home, the Storied Fatherland.”

Church of the Holy Spirit Episcopal, Sumneytown Pike at Barndt Road, Upper Salford, will hold an evening outdoor worship service in the Celtic tradition at 5 p.m. Sunday. The theme will be “Celebrating God in Creation” and will include a guided walk in the natural area on the church grounds. Meet on the church Labyrinth. In case of inclement weather, a service will be held indoors. For more information, call the church at (215) 234-8020.

Also, a Celtic-inspired service of meditative readings and healing prayers will be held at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 26 at Church of the Holy Spirit. Laying-on-of-hands will also be available. For those wishing to share in food and fellowship before the service, there will be a potluck soup and salad dinner starting at 6:30 p.m.

At 7 p.m. Sept. 25 Congregation Beth Or, 239 Welsh Road, Upper Dublin holds Erev Simchat Torah Services, Consecration and Israeli dancing with RAK-DAN. On Sept. 26 at 9 a.m., it’s a Simchat Torah Morning Service with Yizkor prayers, followed by a light brunch.

Vendors, crafters needed

Zion Mennonite Church, 149 Cherry Lane, Souderton, needs vendors and crafters for its annual Fall Festival 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 12. Tables are $15. Call the church at (215) 723-3592 to make a reservation.

Advent Lutheran Church in Lower Salford is looking for vendors and crafters for its Fall Fest and Craft Show, which will be held 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 19. Contact Trish at (215) 513-1078 or [email protected].

For fathers, mothers

A Guardians Catholic support group for fathers of all ages, named in honor of Saint Joseph, Guardian of the Redeemer, provides opportunities for members to learn from one another by sharing their insights about challenges they face in married and family life, in the workplace, and in their spiritual life. Meetings are at 7 p.m. Oct. 1, Nov. 5 and Dec. 3 in the Religious Education Room at Corpus Christi Church, Sumneytown Pike, Upper Gwynedd (use side entrance of church to enter). Through fellowship, prayer, and discussion of relevant issues, participants come to a deeper understanding of the richness of their Catholic faith and their identity as husbands and fathers. This year, the Guardians are viewing the DVD series “Crossing the Goal.” For more information, or to register for your first meeting, contact Deacon Frank Langsdorf at [email protected] or (215) 855-1311 ext. 125.

The Mom Caf&; of Corpus Christi Parish is a monthly support group for women of all stages of motherhood. A typical meeting includes morning refreshments, prayer and a discussion of selected topics and pertinent readings. Participants of the Mom Caf&; receive an issue of “Take Out” (a family faith full-colored newsletter) each month at no cost. Children are always welcome to accompany their mothers to the meetings. Books, toys and a play area are provided. Free child care is also available at most meetings in a separate space, if you choose this option. Meetings are 9:30 to 11 a.m. Oct. 1, Nov. 5, Dec. 3, Jan. 7, Feb. 4, March 4, April 1 and May 6 in the Religious Education Room at Corpus Christi, Sumneytown Pike, Upper Gwynedd. Use the side entrance of church to enter. For more information or to register for your first meeting, please contact Angela at [email protected].

Music notes

The community is welcome to attend a Souderton Alumni Men’s Choir concert at 3 p.m. Oct. 6 at Zion Mennonite Church, Front Street and Cherry Lane, Souderton. Under the direction of Jon Leight, this community group performs an array of familiar tunes and non-secular music. The concert is free with a free will offering which will benefit the Keystone Opportunity Center in Souderton. Guests are also asked to bring along food and household items for the food pantry run by Keystone. Canned meats, cereals, paper and cleaning products are always needed. Collection boxes will be located at the doors.

A free public concert of Celtic, gospel and old-time music by Quadas &; a 24-member club of hammered dulcimer, mountain dulcimer and autoharp players &; is held at 2 p.m. Sept. 29 at Zwingli United Church of Christ, 350 Wile Ave, Souderton. There will be a special guest appearance by the local group Daybreak. Refreshments following the concert. A free-will offering will be taken. For information contact Bobbie and Obie at [email protected] or (215) 234-8036. Directions can be found on www.zwingli.org.

The Chancel Choir at St. John’s United Church of Christ, 500 W. Main St., Lansdale, will sing “Help, Lord” from “Elijah” by Felix Mendelssohn at the 10:15 a.m. service Sunday. Call (215) 855-5489 or visit www.st-johns-ucc.org.

Time to learn

A “So Long, Insecurity” Ladies Conference is held at Immanuel Leidy’s Church, 276 W. Cherry Lane, Franconia Township, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. today, featuring Jessie Seneca of More of Him Ministries. Cost is $10 per person, and it’s open to ages 12 and above. Call (215) 723-8707 or email [email protected].

Congregation Tiferet Bet Israel’s 2013 Scholar-in-Residence weekend is Oct. 4-6, featuring Jewish educator, author and historian Dr. Jonathan Sarna. The weekend series includes four presentations about “The American Jewish Experience: Our Past Present and Future.” Sarna, a professor of American Jewish History at Brandeis University and chief historian for the National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia, is considered one of America’s 50 most influential Jews. For more information, contact TBI at (610) 275-8797 or visit www.tbibluebell.com.

The Greater Lansdale Biblical Storytelling Guild meets at 10 a.m. the third Sunday of the month in Room 125 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1000 W. Main St., Lansdale. Visit www.trinitylansdale.com/worship/biblical-storytelling.html.

Presentation of Our Lord Ukrainian Catholic Church, 1564 Allentown Road, Towamencin, has an Adult Catechism program every second Sunday of the month at 11 a.m., with the first fall session on Sunday. Divine Liturgy is at 11:30, followed by a social in the church hall.

Women of the Word Bible study for women of all ages meets Tuesdays from 9:15 to 11:15 a.m., or 7 to 9 p.m. at Fairview Village Church, 3060 W. Germantown Pike, Worcester. Childcare is provided in the morning. Register at www.fairviewvillagechurch.com or call (610) 539-3333, ext. 230, or contact Sophia at (610) 831-1285 or [email protected].

Trinity Lutheran Church, 1000 W. Main St., Lansdale, offers Wednesday Morning Bible Story with Pastor Dayle Malloy from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays in Rooms 125 and 127. Call (215) 368-1710 or see www.trinitylansdale.com.

Bible study is held at 10 a.m. Wednesdays at Grace United Methodist Church, 295 S. Main St., Telford. Call (215) 723-2144 for more information.

Take heart

Grief Share, a support group for those mourning the death of a loved one, will be offered at Zion Mennonite Church, 149 E. Cherry Lane, Souderton. It meets on Thursday afternoons from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Call Marcia at (215) 723-9111 for more information.

Are you a parent or caregiver of a child on the autism spectrum? You are invited to join a support group at Plains Mennonite Church, Hatfield, on the second Friday of each month from 7 to 8 p.m. This group gathers to give and receive emotional and practical support as well as to exchange information, share stories, and be more effectively equipped with skills and insights to parent children on the spectrum. Catherine Heller leads the discussion and shares her knowledge and expertise around topics chosen by the group. Contact Pastor Dawn Ranck to register at (215) 362-7640 or [email protected]. Childcare not provided. More information can be found at www.plainsmennonitechurch.org.

ASL Masses

St. Stanislaus Roman Catholic Church, 51 Lansdale Ave., Lansdale, offers American Sign Language interpretation of Masses at 9 a.m. the first, second and third Sundays of the month.

In Spanish

Grace United Methodist Church, 295 S. Main St., Telford, offers Hispanic worship in the chapel at 2 p.m. Sundays and 7 p.m. Thursdays, and Hispanic youth worship at 7 p.m. Fridays. Call (215) 723-2144 for more information.

A Spanish-language Mass is offered at 1 p.m. Sundays at St. Stanislaus Parish Church, Main Street and Lansdale Avenue, Lansdale. For information, call (215) 855-3133 or check www.ststanislaus.com.

Centro de Adoraci&;n Familiar, 1000 Troxel Road, Towamencin, holds Spanish-language services at 10 a.m. Sundays; Bible study is held at 7 p.m. Wednesdays. For more information, call (215) 361-2431, ext. 218 or check www.cafamiliar.org.

Let’s eat

St. Philip’s Orthodox Church, 1970 Clearview Road, Hilltown Township, hosts its second annual International Food Festival from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. today, featuring dishes from Greece, Russia, Georgia, Lebanon, Ethiopia and Eritrea. There will also be a craft bazaar, children’s activities and tours of the church. Food entrees range in price from $9 to $11, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Keystone Opportunity Center and Manna on Main Street. Visit www.st-philip.net.

The Knights of Columbus, Pius IX Council hosts Breakfast with the Knights 8 a.m. to noon Sunday. The all-you-can-eat buffet includes made-to-order omelets, as well as a selection of hot and cold entrees. Cost is $8, $7 for seniors, $5 for children 5-12. Active duty fire, police, military and children under 5 eat free. Knights of Columbus hall is at 258 W. Eighth St., Lansdale. Contact (215) 368-3044 or [email protected] for more information.

Presentation of Our Lord Ukrainian Catholic Church, 1564 Allentown Road, Towamencin, offers homemade pierogies available for $6.50 for a dozen on Wednesdays from 4 to 7 p.m. Call (215) 362-9599 to place an order or stop by on Wednesdays.

Christ Covenant Church, 2200 Mainland Road, Towamencin, offers a free community hot breakfast including scrambled eggs, pancakes, sausage, toast, fruit and beverage the last Saturday of every month during 2013. No reservations required and breakfast will be served in fellowship hall from 8:30 to 10 a.m. All ages are welcome; please come and enjoy food and fellowship.

Gather together

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) meets at 9:30 a.m. the second Wednesday of the month in Hyson Hall at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1000 W. Main St., Lansdale. Contact Ashley at (215) 275-8212 or [email protected].

Penn Valley Church, 320 N. Third St., Telford, offers Family Night 6:15 to 8:15 p.m. every Wednesday. Enjoy a meal at 6:15, followed by activities, such as nursery care for infants to 3-year-olds, classes for children and adults, a teen youth group and more. Call (215) 723-5890 or email [email protected] for more information.

Presentation of Our Lord Ukrainian Catholic Church, 1564 Allentown Road, Towamencin hosts bingo every Wednesday. Doors open at 5 p.m. and games begin at 6:45. Call (215) 362-9599.

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