If I asked you to define the current state of our community or our country, how would you respond? Have you noticed that more and more people are defining the behavior of society as “tribal?” That means people are beginning to gather around those who are familiar; they are less likely to associate with people outside their communities or comfort zones.

The Lima Area Operation Christmas Child Team will be hosting shoebox gift recipient speaker Mariya Snizhko at 6 p.m. Sunday, July 22 at First Baptist Church, 11543 CR 175, Kenton. Snizhko was born in Ukraine and raised by Christian parents.

FOREST — The Forest Community Bible School will be held from 6:30 to 8:15 p.m. Sunday, July 15 through Thursday, July 19 at the Forest United Methodist Church. Join the group to learn about Esther, plus enjoy games, snacks and crafts.

FOREST — The Morse Family Gospel Singers will be at the Heritage Christian Union Church, located at 15738 Ohio 37, Forest, on Sunday, July 15 for the 10:30 service. The family is from the McComb area. Not only do Jon and Heidi sing, but also six of their nine children do as well. Also, Jon’s father, Bill plays piano for the group.

ALGER — The Alger First United Methodist Church is sponsoring an ice cream social Saturday, July 21 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Neighbor to Neighbor Outreach Center, 305 N. Main Street, Alger.

Our national church body has a youth gathering every three years. In 1991 the gathering was held over the July 4 holiday in Dallas. Texas. It was the only youth gathering I’ve attended and it was hot, really hot. There were 38,000 teens and chaperones in attendance for the five days.

The Proclaim Ministry Team from Pensacola Christian College will present its program at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 11 at First Baptist Church, CR 175, Kenton. Proclaim features stirring music and/or dramatic selections and a DVD presentation about the college.

ADA — It’s Vacation Bible School at Ada Full Gospel Church like you’ve never experienced before. Children age 3 to teen are admitted free from July 9 to 12 from 6 to 9 p.m. Grab your megaphones, lace up your cleats and tune up your horn. It’s time to gear up for the big game!

TGMA Gospel Music Promotions is presenting a “Gospel Praise Gathering” at 6 p.m. Sunday, July 15 at Kenton Full Gospel Church, 129 N. Wayne St. Performing at the gathering will be Sandi & Kaylene, Jimmy Potridge, One Voice, Donna Sue, Chris Baldwin, Randy Long, Ken Ziegler, Jimmy Bloomfield, Ed Ewing, Arnold Coy, Jake Reel, Peggy Hamilton, Paula Barron, The Seekers and the Gospel Praise Gathering Choir.

Guest speaker Kevin Spencer will be featured at the Auglaize Free United Baptist Church, 11890 Ohio 309, Maysville, at 6 p.m. Sunday, July 1. For more information, call 937-599-4872.