Ada St. Paul's United Church of Christ held the Installation Service for Pastor John Nagel on Saturday, Oct. 5.

Many people celebrate anniversaries, whether first dates, weddings, jobs, or church. The question to ask is why? Are anniversaries good times to party, to reflect, to remember, to mourn, or to realize how many years have passed and thus, how old we have become?

The One Voice Gospel Singers will be performing at the Auglaize Free United Baptist Church, 11890 Ohio 309, Maysville at 11 a.m. Sunday. For more information, call 937-599-4872.

I know I’ve been around town for a few years, but I feel like I need to reintroduce myself or at least clarify a few things. For those of you who don’t know, I serve as pastor of St. John’s Evangelical Church in Kenton. I have a wicked sense of humor, and I kind be a bit snarky, which I know are probably not the best qualities in a pastor. I tend to be quite direct, hold people accountable, and have high standards. All of which can reveal rocky ground and other inhospitable habitats for the Gospel. While I’m confessing things, there is one more thing I feel compelled to share – I’m not always happy about everything that happens at St. John’s. [Did I share that too loudly? I meant to whisper…]

The Central Church of Christ, located behind Robinson Field in Kenton, will be having 5th Quarter on Friday nights after every home Kenton football game. All are invited to visit and enjoy snacks and fellowship.

Presale tickets for the Launch Women’s Conference, planned for 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2 at St. John’s Evangelical Church, Kenton, are available for $10 at eventbrite.com.

During the era just before the Civil War, huge numbers of Irish immigrated to the United States to escape the horrors of poverty and famine. Unfortunately many American citizens refused to welcome them, and treated them shamefully, even with violence. Signs on many businesses seeking workers stated “Irish need not apply”.

The Waynesfield Baptist Church, 512 N. Westminster St., will be hosting John Hickman “In a Concert of Worship” at 8:30 at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 22.

CAREY — The Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation, Carey, is continuing the tradition of its annual Family Day on Sunday, Sept. 29. The 11 a.m. Mass will take place in the Basilica. After the Mass, there will be a free lunch served at the Shrine cafeteria. At 1:30 p.m. there will be Devotions along with an outdoor rosary procession around the Basilica with families carrying the statue of Our Lady of Consolation.

ADA — Bethel Church of Christ in rural Ada will celebrate its 150th anniversary on Sunday, Sept. 15.