Charity challenge

USA Martial Arts and fitness director Jon Bonner is offering the public the opportunity to take part in a Charity Challenge 5K Run/Walk in an effort to raise funds for one's favorite nonprofit organization. The event will be held on May 17 at the Owl Creek Reservoir and will include a One Mile Kid's Fun Run.The race will be professionally timed by Pretzel City Sports of Reading and music will be provided by DJ "Party Tyme."Refreshments will be available.For more information, contact Bonner at 570-778-6970.Soup socialMonthly soup socials are being held at Trinity United Church of Christ, 22 Lafayette St. The next outreach social will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on June 7. The free event is part of Trinity's monthly "Feeding the Hungry" program.Those attending are reminded to use the lower parking lot entrance into Founder's Hall.Gardening helplineThe Penn State Master gardener program has established a horticulture helpline to answer gardening-related questions from Schuylkill County residents.The helpline will be available through Sept. 26. Master gardener volunteers will be available from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday, with information about trees, flowers, shrubs, lawns, garden soil, vegetables, insects, plant diseases and more.Anyone with a question related to lawns, landscapes and gardens will now have their answers just a phone call away. The helpline number is 570-622-4225, extension 20. Help is also available by email at

schuylkillmg@psu.edu.St. John LutheranThe Rev. Phyllis Wolford will officiate at the 9:15 a.m. worship service Sunday in St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church. Sunday school and Confirmation classes will meet at 10:30 a.m.Also on Sunday, the bell choir will rehearse at 11:45 a.m.Next week's activities include: Monday, learning ministry meets at 6 p.m.; Wednesday choir rehearsals, angel choir at 6 p.m. chancel choir at 6:30 p.m.Zion LewistownThe Rev. Jim Williams will officiate at the 10:30 a.m. service this Sunday in Zion Church in the Lewistown Valley. The service will include graduation ceremonies for the Valley Christian Preschool. Light refreshments will be served following the service.The annual parent-child banquet will be held at 6 p.m. on May 17 in Zion's Social Hall. Participants are reminded to bring a covered dish to share.The youth group will meet at 5

p.m.m on May 24.