There are a few updates and announcements for Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church. The Rev. Tom Busteed announced he is stepping down as pastor of Faith Evangelical Lutheran, a position he held for 18 months.

His last day as pastor will be Feb. 8.

I wish Busteed well in his future endeavors and hope the congregation has a smooth transition.

The basket social has been postponed until further notice. Stay tuned for additional news on this pending event.

Faith Evangelical thanks all who volunteered their time and efforts to make the Christmas Journey event, held Dec. 19, 2021, a success.

“There were 52 members in costumes at 13 stations and 15 working behind the scenes, helping dress participants in costumes, making hot chocolate and serving dinner. There were 32 families, 91 people at the walk-thru and 71-plus cars and 170 people driving through, as per our census takers at station four,” the church newsletter states.

Socks and slippers - 605 pairs! - were collected for Turning Point of Lehigh Valley, Allentown Rescue Mission, Lehigh Conference of Churches, Caring Hearts and Petite Scholars during the Christmas Journey event.

Faith is collecting food donations for Souper Bowl Sunday, celebrated Feb. 13.

You can help those less fortunate by dropping off your contributions 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Mondays-Fridays or Sunday mornings at the church office, 3355 MacArthur Road.

Donations will be given to Whitehall Food Pantry.

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Hokey Firehall, 3022 S. Second St., recently made a $1,000 donation to First Presbyterian Church of Hokendauqua, 3005 S. Front St. This is a great example of neighbors helping neighbors!

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In continuation of its Bob Warke-Dale Horn Scholarship program, Hokendauqua Park and Playground Association will again be awarding two $1,000 scholarships.

To be eligible for the scholarship, you must be a Class of 2022 high school-eligible graduate, be continuing your education in the fall of 2022, must have participated in HPPA’s baseball, softball or basketball youth programs and must complete the scholarship application form and return it to HPPA before Feb. 28.

The organization will review all the applications and select one girl and one boy to receive the scholarships at HPPA’s March or April meeting.

Additional requirements are listed on the application, which can be downloaded at hokeypark.com. If you are not able to download the application from the website, you can also email Bill Sabol at secretary@hokeypark.com. Sabol can also answer any questions you have.

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Email me your Hokendauqua events or news at skoch@tnonline.com by Feb. 11 to meet the deadline.

Happy Valentine’s Day!