PVEN needs

The Pleasant Valley Ecumenical Network continues to reach out to families in need. Current needs for its clothing area include men’s winter coats, men’s and women’s underwear, queen- and king-size sheets, comforters and blankets, men’s hygiene products: razors, shaving cream, and deodorant, and little girls’ size winter clothing.

Drop-off times at PVEN are from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays. Other times by appointment. Call 570-992-3136 to make arrangements.

Effort pantry

The Hunger Ministry food pantry at Effort UMC is slated to be open from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday.

Any questions or concerns should be directed to the SFRC Director Henry McCormick through the church office at 570-629-1890, ext. 109.

Fellowship breakfast

Effort UMC will hold a Fellowship breakfast between services on Sunday. It allows those from both services to greet and meet one another.

Church calendar

Salem-St. Paul’s Lutheran Church will begin its Sunday events with an 8:15 a.m. worship, followed by Confirmation at 9 a.m.

The second service, with Sunday school, will be at 10:30 a.m. At 12:45 p.m. it’s off to roller-skating at LaRose’s on Interchange Road in Lehighton.

Soup sale

Three kinds of soup are now on sale at Effort UMC. They are: homemade cream of potato with bacon, white chili with chicken, and chorizo. Orders must be in on Sunday. Pickup is Jan. 21.

For costs per quart and how to pay, contact the church at 570-629-1890.

Council installation

St. Matthew’s UCC installed its incoming council members last Sunday. New members beginning their term of service are Katelyn Heffelfinger, Henry Krechel, Diann Bittenbender, Starlene Barr and George Huber. Outgoing members are Dan Wunder, Leanne Sitler, Joyce Fusner, Wilbert Kleintop and John Frable.

On Sunday the church will hold a 9 a.m. service and Family Table service at noon.

The church’s Laymen’s group will meet at 10 a.m. next Wednesday.

Riders meet

The Riders will hold a monthly meeting at the American Legion at 10 a.m. Sunday.

For more information, contact Everett Shaver at everett.shaver@yahoo.com.

MLK day

Due to Monday being Martin Luther King Day, various places will be closed, including church offices such as Zion Lutheran in Brodheadsville.

PV Task Force

Pleasant Valley’s Diversity Task Force is scheduled to meet at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Book Fair

The Pleasant Valley Intermediate School PTO book fair will be held during school hours Tuesday through Jan 19.

Shawl ministry

Effort UMC’s Prayer Shawl Ministry is scheduled to meet at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday. All knitters and crocheters are welcome.

PVE PTO

The Pleasant Valley Elementary School PTO is scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday.

Supers meet

The Chestnuthill Township Board of Supervisors is scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the township municipal building in Brodheadsville.

Christian Unity

The annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity begins on Wednesday and continues through Jan. 25.

A Prayer Service for Christian Unity will be held at 1 a.m. Wednesday at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Gilbert. A lunch will follow the worship service.

Anyone planning on attending the lunch is asked to RSVP to trivet@qopchurch.org or 610-681-6137.

March for Life

Reservations for the Pennsylvania For Human Life-Pocono Chapter bus to Washington, D.C., for the Annual March for Life on Jan. 19 are due by Friday. This year makes the 45th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision.

Call Joan at 570-421-8636 for more information and costs.

The chapter will hold its annual Pro-Life prayer rally from 2 to 2:30 p.m. Jan. 21 at Courthouse Square, Stroudsburg.

For information, call Joan at 570 421-8636 for reservations.

Hunger meeting

The United Way of Monroe County and the Hunger Coalition will be offering a free information session for any individual, agency, organization or church entity that is interested in learning more about what is required to host a summer meal site for 2018 through the Summer Food Service Program.

Jennifer Strauch, vice president of Community Impact, United Way of Monroe County Hunger Coalition of Monroe County, and former director of the PVEN, shares that 55 percent of school-aged children living in Monroe County are receiving free or reduced priced meals due to household incomes falling below 130 percent of the federal poverty line. The event will take place at 9 a.m. Jan. 26 at NCC Monroe Campus in Keystone Hall Room 202.

To register, which should be done now, call 570-629-5657 or contact Jennifer@unitedwaymonroe.org.

RSVP volunteers

The Retired Senior Volunteer Program is a nationwide program that invites adults age 55 and over to use their life experiences and skills to answer the call of their neighbors in need.

RSVP Volunteers are: over 55 years of age, enjoy working with others to solve community problems, are determined to stay active and involving in the community, want to make a difference.

Any West Ender wanting to volunteer can call, email or visit the Retired Senior Volunteer Program at 570-420-3747 or email mturitz@monroecountypa.gov or visit the organization at 411 Main St., Stroudsburg.

Contact Adele Argot at 717-933-4028 or arargot3@verizon.net. Contact the Times News at 800-443-0377 or tneditor@tnonline.com.