Announcements printed in the Religion Notes each Saturday are to publicize special events such as special meals, youth activities, blood drives, support efforts and similar events in which the public is invited to participate. For announcements about speakers, meals or activities that are part of a church’s regular schedule, please contact marketing representative Erica Springer at 352-564-2912. For more information, contact Sarah Gatling at 352-564-2997.
FOR THE KIDS
First United Methodist Church of Homosassa
The First United Methodist Church of Homosassa will have its inaugural Back to School Bash from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, at the church, 8831 W. Bradshaw St., Homosassa.
The free school supplies giveaway will be for elementary schoolchildren, one filled backpack per child until supplies run out.
There will be free face painting for the kids and free hot dogs for lunch.
First Baptist Church of Beverly Hills
First Baptist Church of Beverly Hills, 4950 N. Lecanto Highway, will host a free 5-day Club for Kids during the week of July 21-25 from noon to 2 p.m. Children ages 5 to 12 will participate in Bible lessons, songs, fun activities, daily prizes and more. Lunch will be provided daily free of charge.
Faith Lutheran Church
Come enjoy an epic “Australian Adventure” with Faith Lutheran Church at Vacation Bible School this summer, July 14-18, at the church, 935 S. Crystal Glen Drive, Lecanto.
Children can enjoy a journey with Jesus with real live Australian animals. VBS will be from 9 a.m. to noon, with a snack.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
The Citrus Hills Women’s Club Inc. will host a “Christmas in July” Charity Drive-Thru at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church at 439 E. Norvell Bryant Highway, Hernando, from 9-10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 23.
- Carter Street Head Start School: Children’s books and preschool toys
- CASA: wipes, diapers, trash bags, coffee/creamer, gallon size bags, underwear (any size), feminine products, hair products, honey and HE Laundry detergent
- Habitat for Humanity: tools, tape measures, etc.
- Pet Meals: unopened dog/cat food, pet treats, kitty litter
- Family Resource Center: nonperishable foods, PB&J, pasta/sauce, soups, crackers, pancake mix/syrup, canned veggies/fruits/meats, chili, cereal and juice. Please take gently used clothes directly to the Resource Center at 3660 Carl Rose Highway in Hernando. Hours at the center are from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday thru Friday. Email CHWCInformation@gmail.com for more information.
Ther July 23 Drive-Thru also includes the club’s annual “Christmas in July” request for new toys and new children’s clothes/shoes, any size, with tags still attached, to assist the Resource Center in their Christmas project. The most needed toys are slime, baby toys, art kits/supplies and science kits. Last year, the Resource Center made Christmas happen for over 1,900 children.
First Presbyterian Church of Inverness
The First Presbyterian Church of Inverness is extending a helping hand to members of the community who are facing financial difficulties by offering the use of a washing machine at any time. There is no charge for the use of the washing machine and free laundry detergent is provided on site. Clothes lines and clothes pins are available for use.
The church is at 206 Washington Ave. in Inverness. The washing machine is located behind the community building, which is the second gray building on the far side of the church closest to State Road 44.
For information, contact the church office at 352-637-0770 Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
FOOD & FELLOWSHIP
Grace Methodist Church
Grace Methodist Church of Homosassa will take a summer break from hosting its free monthly pancake breakfasts during July and August. Breakfasts are held on the third Saturday from 8-10 a.m. September thru June.
Breakfasts will resume in September. The menu includes homemade pancakes, sausage, coffee and orange juice. There is no charge but love donations are gratefully accepted.
Grace Methodist Church is at 5030 S. Memorial Drive, just east of Suncoast Boulevard (U.S. 19). For more information, contact the church office at 352-419-7702.
Peace Lutheran Church
Peace Lutheran Church, “the church on the hill” at highways 40 and 41, welcomes everyone of all ages to its free dinners on certain Mondays. For more information, call 352-489-5881.
First Presbyterian Church of Inverness
First Presbyterian Church of Inverness offers several weekly or monthly opportunities for people with common interests to come together in a small group environment.
- Craft Group meets every Thursday from noon to 3 p.m. in the church Youth Room. Bring your craft in progress and stay as long as you’d like.
- Wine & Theology offers the chance to enjoy a great meal and ask theological questions of the Rev. Lou Ellen Hartley, First Presbyterian Church Pastor. This is on the second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at Angelo’s Pizzeria and Ristorante, 301 W. Main St., Inverness. The next meeting will be on July 10.
- GenX Group meets on the fourth Thursday of the month at 4 p.m. at Stumpknocker’s on the Square, 110 W. Main St., Inverness. The next meeting is Thursday, June 26. Note: the group will not meet in July but will meet on Aug. 21.
LIVE & LEARN
Grace Methodist Church
Grace Methodist Church of Homosassa welcomes readers of all ages to browse its Little Free Library book boxes.
Four book boxes are outside the church’s front doors, one each for women’s interests, men’s interests, children’s interests (babies to teens) and faith topics.
For information or to donate books to the project, call the church office at 352-651-2502.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
The Family History Center at 3474 W. Southern St., Lecanto, is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the family-friendly, free ancestry resource/research center. For information, call Frances Austin at 352-746-5943.
North Oak Church
English as a Second Language (ESL) meets at North Oak Church at 6 p.m. Tuesdays. Anyone is welcome to come and spend the evening with trained instructors who will help in all levels of English-speaking. On Thursdays at 6:30 p.m., an evening of games and fun helps to practice what you have learned.
North Oak, 9324 N. Elkcam Blvd., Citrus Springs, the corner of North Elkcam and North Citrus Springs boulevards. Call 352-489-1688 for more information.
Spanish-language group
Atención hermanos y amigos de Citrus County: Únanse a nosotros para aprender más de la palabra del señor Jesucristo en un estudio bíblico llamado “grupo de vida” a las 10 de la mañana todos los Domingos en el local de la iglesia Nature Coast U.S. 19, 1513 Homossasa. Contactos a Enrique 352-257-1484 los esperaremos.
SUPPORT
First Baptist Church of Crystal River
Agape House at 808 N. Citrus Ave., Crystal River, is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday and Thursday to assist those in need.
The ministry provides household items, toiletries and clothing. Some type of government ID, such as a driver license, is required.
For more information, call 352-795-7064.
North Oak Church
Are you a caregiver who is struggling with a loved one suffering with dementia? Bernie Collins is a trained and experienced retired nurse who holds a support group on the first Thursday of each month at 10 a.m. Everyone is welcome.
North Oak, 9324 N. Elkcam Blvd., Citrus Springs, the corner of North Elkcam and North Citrus Springs boulevards. Call 352-489-1688 for more information.
North Christian Church
Nar-Anon Family Group of Citrus County, a support program for people who have been affected by the drug use of a family member or friend, meets from 7-8 p.m. every Thursday at North Citrus Christian Church, 6442 Elkcam Blvd, Citrus Springs.
The only requirement for membership is that there be a problem of addiction in a relative or friend. As a Twelve-Step program similar to Al-Anon, Nar-Anon offers help by its members sharing their experiences, strength, and hope.
For more information, call Wendell 313-392-3744.
North Citrus Christian Church
Friends of Citrus and the Nature Coast offers a Grief Study Group from 2:30 to 4 p.m. every Tuesday at the Wings Grief Center, 8471 W. Periwinkle Lane in Homosassa.
This is a faith-based study sponsored by North Citrus Christian Church which provides help for those experiencing “little deaths” in life as well as the loss of a loved one.
For information or to preregister, call 352-249-1470. For details about their other programs, visit friendsofcitrus.org or Friends of Citrus on Facebook.
Grace Methodist Church
The Memory Lane support group and respite program for individuals dealing with dementia has relocated to Grace Methodist Church in Homosassa. It meets every Monday from 1-3 p.m. at the church, 5030 S. Memorial Drive.
As a ministry of Grace Methodist Church, it is free and open to the public.
Celebrate Recovery groups
- Celebrate Recovery meets every Monday from 6-8 p.m. at The Hills Church, 2 Civic Circle, Beverly Hills. It is a Christ-centered recovery group for hurts, hang-ups and habits. Call Tom or Sheila Boss for information, at 410-353-7857. Celebraterecovery.com.
- Celebrate Recovery at Suncoast Baptist Church meets from 6 to 8:30 p.m. every Thursday at the church, 5310 S. Suncoast Blvd., Homosassa.
St. Thomas the Apostle
The St. Thomas the Apostle Bereavement Support Group meets every Thursday from 1-2:30 p.m. U.S. 19, 300 yards South of Cardinal and just past Walmart.
The group takes a positive approach to grief by helping grievers learn how to make a new life, even when they don’t want to. Just come, sit and listen. 30 years of experience has taught them how to help make a positive difference in a person’s life. Anyone can attend.
For information, call 352-220-1959.
GriefShare groups
The journey of grief is a painful process that you don’t have to walk alone. Grief is an emotional wound, which, similar to a physical wound, must be treated for proper healing. Being in a group of understanding and supportive people who are experiencing grief can make grieving easier. The group is open to anyone who has lost a loved one. GriefShare features videos of nationally recognized experts on grief topics and the stories of people who have healed from grief.
- A GriefShare support group meets at the First Baptist Church in Crystal River from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, 700 N. Citrus Ave. For information, call First Baptist Church at 352-795-3367 or visit griefshare.org.
- Griefshare is a nationwide program to help people navigate through the stages of grief. Griefshare meets at 6 p.m. Wednesday at North Oak Church in Citrus Springs and is facilitated by Peggy Herbst. Anyone is welcome to come. No church affiliation is required. North Oak Church is located at the intersection of N. Elkcam Blvd. and N. Citrus Springs Blvd. in Citrus Springs. Call 352-489-1688 for more information.
