BY SUSAN RUMBLE

Special to The Press

Although the Upper Lehigh Lions Club had to cancel traditional fundraisers for the past year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the group has kept busy recently with hoagie sales.

President Ron Smith reports the March hoagie sale was a record breaker with 588 hoagies sold, yielding a nice profit for the club.

He reports the annual July Festival and Craft Show are canceled this year due to restrictions at the Neffs Church grove.

However, the chicken barbecue will take place noon until 6 p.m. June 5 as a takeout only event.

Erin Heintzelman and members of the Education and Youth Committee are receiving and reviewing applications for the annual scholarship.

Due to budget restrictions, a single $1,500 scholarship will be offered to a local high school student.

Regular Lions Club meetings have been canceled until further notice, but the group is considering gathering outdoors when the weather is suitable, possibly in June.

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Pastor James Gottwald of St. John’s United Church of Christ, Laurys Station, commented on the Jan. 6 scene at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

“The events point to the fact that there are serious divisions between citizens,” Gottwald said.

He noted President Abraham Lincoln warned about the danger of a “house divided” which could undermine the greatness of the nation.

Gottwald said that in Mark 3:24, Jesus expressed the very same idea: “If a kingdom is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.”

The pastor recommended that each of us should examine our actions to see how we can work together for the healing of the nation.

“Let us exercise our Christ given ministry of reconciliation. Let us be assured that we can secure a greater measure of health and place when we recognize each other’s gifts and work together,” Gottwald said.

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Pastor Gordon Camp will provide drive-through communion at Union Lutheran Church, Schnecksville, 11 a.m. to noon April 25.

Enter the parking lot and proceed to the covered entrance way. The pastor will be there to offer prayers, a blessing and communion elements in individual sealed cups.

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The Auxiliary of Northern Valley EM, NOVA, has scheduled a cherry pie fundraiser. Call Julie at 610-262-7749 to reserve a cherry pie for pickup noon to 5 p.m. April 18 or 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. April 19.