Metro Kanawha publishes free church-related announcements as news items at the editor’s discretion. Regular weekly services are excluded (for those listings, see the worship times ad on this page). Submission deadline is noon Wednesday for the following week’s publication. Submissions should be emailed to metrokanawha@hdmediallc.com. Submissions are not accepted by telephone. If applicable, include the church’s address and contact information.
Bowling Party: Braveheart Fellowship will have a bowling party Aug. 21 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at River Alley, located at 6300 MacCorkle Ave. near St. Albans. Bowling, shoes, pizza, soda and snacks are free. Braveheart Fellowship provides age-appropriate social activities for young adults (16-plus) living with cognitive and developmental challenges. The group is partnered with Kanawha United Presbyterian Church and St. John's Episcopal Church. To sign up, or for more information, email srkmminnerly@gmail.com.
Baby Love Pantry: Cross Lanes United Methodist Women (CLUMW) operate a diaper giveaway twice a month, typically on the first and third Fridays. In the summer, these dates may vary. The next scheduled dates are: Aug. 15, Sept. 5, Sept. 19, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Go to the drive-thru at the upper parking lot of Cross Lanes UMC on 5320 Frontier Drive. The women give away one 25-count packages of diapers and a package of baby wipes to each eligible person, and also have some types of formula. These are given based on need. Adults must have an ID and proof that they have a baby. No other personal information is collected. CLUMW operates this project through donations raised by the group. They also welcome outside donations of new unopened packages of diapers and new, in date, formula. For more information, go the CLUMW’s Baby Love Pantry Facebook page.
Spaghetti Dinner: Jarrett Memorial United Methodist Church will host a spaghetti dinner on Friday, Aug. 8 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dinner is $10 and includes spaghetti with homemade sauce (with or without meatballs), slaw, bread, dessert and a drink. Guests may dine in or carry out. Proceeds will support United Methodist Women's mission projects. The church is located near Hafer’s Funeral Home in Elkview.
Flea Market: Elizabeth Memorial United Methodist Church will hold its 31st Annual Flea Market on Saturday, Aug. 16, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church on 108 Oakwood Road. The event fills the entire church—including classrooms and sidewalks—with a huge selection of items. Shoppers can expect housewares, furniture, electronics, toys, baby items, sporting goods, clothing for all ages, collectibles, books, holiday décor, baked goods, and more. Proceeds support mission projects. For more information, call 304-342-7351, or visit www.emumc.org.
Thomas Merton Society: The West Virginia chapter of the International Thomas Merton Institute meets via Zoom the third Tuesday of each month from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Each month, the group discusses recent material from the International Merton Society and/or information from the Book of Hours. For more information email Father Bill Petro at frbpetro42@gmail.com.
Contemplative Prayer: The West Virginia Institute for Spirituality holds contemplative prayer practice Monday through Friday at 7 p.m. via Zoom. The prayers are led by a variety of volunteers. Prayer begins promptly at 7 p.m. when the leader opens with a brief chant followed by 20 minutes of silence. Sign up to receive the weekly reminders and the Zoom link. For questions or to register, send email to wvis_sally@aol.com.
Gabriel Project: The Gabriel Project at Highlawn Presbyterian Church, 2501 Washington Ave. in St. Albans, offers free baby products and clothes, sizes preemie to 2T, every Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Car seats and portable cribs are available for $15 each. For more information, call 304-727-7140.
