BY JANICE RAINEY

JRAINEY@TRIBDEM.COM

The Rev. Tom Verner, pastor of Franklin Street United Methodist Church in downtown Johnstown, will begin a new teaching series, “God’s Plan and Our Place In It,” during the 8:30 and 10:45 a.m. Sunday worship services.

The 11-week series will build on an in-depth look at the book of Ephesians, including sermons titled “The Purpose of God,” “I keep Asking God,” “God’s Masterpiece,” “The Benefits of Belonging,” “Prisoners,” “Preachers and Prayers,” “A Worthy Life – A Glorious Future,” “Something Old – Something New,” “Make the Most of Every Opportunity,” “Wives and Husbands,” “Children,” “Parents,” “Slaves and Masters” and “A Final Word.”

Verner is a former Navy chaplain who served with the Marines during Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

Noah’s Park, the children’s ministry center, will offer children an hour of puppets, lessons and fun during the 8:30 a.m. contemporary service.

Pastor begins new services Sunday

The Rev. Janet Wensel will begin her new appointment and present her first worship observances Sunday with a 9:30 a.m. service at Trinity-Asbury United Methodist Church, 628 Somerset Street, Johnstown, followed by a 10:45 a.m. worship service at Trinity United Methodist Church, 111 Willow Street, Johnstown.

Roxbury Brethren plan outdoor service

The congregation of Roxbury Church of the Brethren will hold its 13th annual outdoor worship service at 10:30 a.m. Sunday at its church grove, Route 985, Somerset Pike.

The Rev. Brian N. Simmons, pastor, will speak about “Our Nation, Our Church at War,” based on Ephesians 6:10-18.

Claire Montoya will provide music, including “As the Deer,” on her block flute.

A covered-dish picnic will follow.

Township graduate kicks off recital series

Corey Everly will be the first performer in the July Recital Series at First Lutheran Church, 415 Vine St. in downtown Johnstown.

The series will begin at noon every Tuesday in July.

Everly, a 2009 graduate of Conemaugh Township Area High School, Davidsville, will present a program of Broadway show tunes. He will be accompanied by Matt Thomas on the piano.

A light lunch will follow the program.

A free will offering will be accepted.

Faith Chapel sets vacation Bible school

Faith Chapel, 730 Sunberry St., Johnstown, will hold its annual vacation Bible school, for children ages 4 through grade 12, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For information or to arrange transportation, call 269-2236.

The church’s Web site is www.faithchapel.us.

Missionaries visit Ebensburg church

Dori and Lynn Cazier, missionaries to Kenya, will bring their message of hope to First Christian Church, 405 W. High St., Ebensburg, during the 10:30 a.m. Sunday service.

A luncheon will follow, where the Cazier’s will have a question-and-answer session.

Fountain of Life sets healing service

A healing service will be held at 7 p.m. Friday at Fountain of Life, 225 Second St., Johnstown.

Windber center hosts healing meditations

Interfaith Spiritual Healing Meditations, presented by the Institute of Integrative Medicine at Windber Medical Center, will be held at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday and July 22 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Roman Catholic Church, 605 Graham Ave., Windber.

The meditations, consisting of music, aromatherapeutic oils, prayers and meditations, are open to all faith groups with the intention for physical, emotional and spiritual wholeness.

Information: 467-3791 or 467-3768.

St. Michael church hosts mystery speaker

Park View Alliance Church in St. Michael will hold a worship service and host a mystery speaker at 10:30 a.m. Sunday.

A covered-dish picnic featuring games, songs and worship will be held at 5 p.m.

Berachah church notes 40th milestone

Berachah Baptist Church, formerly Bible Baptist Church, 134 Romans Road, 281 N. Stoystown Road, Somerset, will hold its 40th anniversary celebration at 7 p.m. July 18 and 10:30 a.m. July 19.

Calvary Quartet of Simpsonville, S.C., will provide music.

Chuck Wagon will cater the Sunday picnic luncheon.

Luncheon tickets must be purchased by Saturday by calling 443-4370.