Yellow ribbon rally at DeKalb Christian

A yellow ribbon rally has been scheduled for 9 a.m. on Flag Day, June 14, at DeKalb (Mo.) Christian Church. Dr. Cecil Todd, founder and president of Revival Fires Ministry in Branson, Mo., will be the featured speaker.

An offering will be taken to help provide Bibles for the 17,000 soldiers who are soon to be deployed to Afghanistan. This service is open to the public.

Hope Fellowship marks founding

At 9 a.m. June 14, Hope Fellowship Church, 2921 N. Belt Highway, will have a dedication to celebrate the founding of the new church. The service will include praise dancers from New Hope Baptist Church, special music from the praise team led by Carter Drake, prayers of dedication by guest ministers and communion. Following the worship service, refreshments will be served, and there will be an open house. The church is non-denominational with a contemporary and traditional blend. All are welcome. For more information, please call the Rev. Earnestine Blakley at 279-8829.

New Generation Singers at Francis Street First UMC

Francis Street First United Methodist Church will have one combined service at 10 a.m. Sunday, June 14. The New Generation Singers will lead the worship service along with Dr. Susan Ventura. Everyone is invited. A reception for the group will follow the service.

Greater Jesus Tabernacle hosts speaker

Greater Jesus Tabernacle, 28th Street and Mitchell Avenue, will host guest speaker Bishop Lloyd Goodwin, pastor of Celebration of Praise Church in Kansas City, Kan., at its 4 p.m. service June 14. The Goodwin singers, directed by Celebration of Praise co-pastor Pam Goodwin, will present several numbers. James Foster is the pastor of Greater Jesus Tabernacle. The public is invited.

Free dinner at Woodson Chapel

Woodson Chapel Christian Church, 2525 St. Joseph Ave., will host a free community dinner from 5 to 6:30 p.m. June 16 at the church. All are welcome, and tacos and taco salads will be served. The church also will host a potluck supper followed by singing, devotions and prayer that will begin at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 24. For more information, go online to www.woodson-chapel.org or call 233-0769.

H.O.P.E. Summer Reading Outreach

The H.O.P.E. Summer Reading Outreach will begin at 1 p.m. June 17 at Oakridge Apartments and run through July 1. Children from the Bartlett Center will come for reading at this location. At 2 p.m. Thursday, June 18, the reading outreach will begin at Brittany Village Apartments and run through July 2. Children from the Noyes Home for Children will come for this reading. All reading books will be provided by H.O.P.E. Outreach Ministries, Inc. Volunteers are welcome to attend. For more information, please call Charles or the Rev. Earnestine Blakley at 279-8829.

‘When string was king’

The Golden Agers at McCarthy Baptist Church, 2710 S. Belt Highway, will host “When String Was King” at noon June 18. Before adhesive tape came into general use, there was the string holder. Bring a covered dish and enjoy Roy and Peggy Fortner’s collection of string holders. The presentation is open to anyone 55 or older.

Zion celebrates Father’s Day

Zion United Church of Christ, Ninth and Faraon streets, will highlight Father’s Day June 21. The 10:30 a.m. worship service will include Zion’s annual “Tools of Hope” offering. These funds will be forwarded to Church World Service for its relief and rebuilding programs, both domestic and international.

Following the service, at 11:45 a.m., the church’s Agape Fellowship will provide a barbecue picnic lunch. Everyone interested is invited, and those needing transportation may contact the church office at 232-7009.

Virginia Wissehr honored

Virginia Wissehr received an award at Church Women United’s May Friendship Day on May 1 at First Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Wissehr is a pastor’s wife of 20 years, serving the United Church of Christ denomination in St. Louis and St. Joseph as a Sunday school teacher, youth leader, song leader and visitor to and quilt maker for hospital and nursing home patients and the homebound. She served as treasurer for CWU-St. Joseph for years and also as a song leader. She now is the recording secretary.

VBS at Faith United Baptist

Faith United Baptist Church, 8400 S.W. State Route V Highway in St. Joseph, will host a vacation Bible school from 6 to 8 p.m. June 15 through 19 for children ages 5 through 12. Prepare to trek to the land down under and discover how it all comes back to Jesus. This one-week adventure will use Bible stories, crafts, motivating music and games to teach about having a relationship with Jesus. Snacks will be served. For more information, call 238-2838.

VBS at St. Paul Lutheran

St. Paul Lutheran Church, 4715 Frederick Ave., will host a vacation Bible school with the theme G.A.D.G.E.T.’s (God’s Always Doing Great Exciting Things) Garage from 9 to 11:30 a.m. for 3- through 5-year-olds and 9 a.m. to noon for kindergartners through sixth-graders June 22 through 26.

The VBS will feature Bible stories, crafts, singing, snacks and recreation. There is no cost to attend. To sign up, call the church office at 279-1110 or stop by. A free CD of VBS songs will be provided at the time of registration.

Lifestyles reporter Erin Wisdom can be reached at religion@npgco.com.