FaithUMC youth plan summer reading program; Service set Sunday at historic chapel; Lockridge church giving away clothes

FaithUMC youth plan summer reading program

LIBERTYVILLE ? Upon learning in Sunday school that the economic futures of almost 90,000 young Iowans are at risk because of their lack of reading proficiency, the youth at Faith United Methodist Church decided to join the ?Change a child?s story? mission, a mission to give books and give time.

Hannah Clubb and Katie Bell envisioned the congregation and Libertyville community donating books, the youth building a Little Lending Library to coincide with vacation Bible school, recording books for nonreaders, a way to provide incentives, and an opportunity to expose diversity and positive examples to young readers through books. All FaithUMC youth supported their ideas, and the book collections began.

Libertyville youth and those in surrounding communities are welcome to join the summer reading fun in more than one way:

? Stop by the Little Lending Library, which will open with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 7 p.m. June 10, by the church to borrow, exchange or leave a book.

? Weekly book recordings will be made at the church and shared on its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Faith-United-Methodist-Church-598253070252517/.

? Weekly storytimes are planned, with dates and reading incentives to be announced during vacation Bible school Tuesday through Thursday.

? Reading-themed crafts will be made during vacation Bible school, such as book pouches and homemade bookmarks.

? All students that participate in vacation Bible school will receive a free book as part of the 7 p.m. June 10 opening ceremony for the Little Lending Library, which is the official kickoff of the summer reading program.

? Attend the free-will spaghetti supper to support the summer reading program, with supper from 5:30-6:45 p.m. and the Vacation Bible School Showcase providing entertainment.

? Participate in the book drive by donating new or used books to the program on the first night of vacation Bible school Tuesday. Donations of new and used books will be welcomed all summer. Books can be dropped off at FaithUMC.

The summer reading program is free, and readers of all ages are welcome. Registration forms will be available during vacation Bible school at FaithUMC or by contacting the church office at libertyvilleumc@gmail.com or 641-693-3341.

Communnion service set Sunday at historic chapel

LOCKRIDGE ? The congregation of First Augustana Lutheran Church in Lockridge will worship at the Historic New Sweden Chapel at 10:30 a.m. Sunday.

A Holy Communion service is held every year on the first Sunday in June at the historic chapel. A second worship service is held on the second Sunday in September.

The New Sweden Chapel, listed with the National Historical Society, closed in 1948 and First Augustana Lutheran Church was appointed as caretaker and overseer.

The church was established in 1848 by a group of Swedish people led by Peter Cassel. This was the first Lutheran church established west of the Mississippi River.

Everyone is welcome to attend and worship in the historic building Sunday.

Lockridge church giving away clothing June 11

LOCKRIDGE ? First Augustana Lutheran Church in Lockridge will have a community outreach clothing give-away June 11.

The event will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the church.

All sizes of clothing, from infants to adults, will be available.