A week ago I underwent anesthesia for outpatient surgery on a thumb. The OR doctor told me that he had just administered the medicine, and then asked me to close my eyes and relax.

Keep Hardin County Beautiful Director Deb Phillips (left) stands with the Rev. Mary Jo Yeakel at the entrance of the First United Methodist Church of Ada. The church will be one of the stops featured on this year’s Candy Cane Tour.

ADA — Growing up as a pastor’s daughter, Mary Jo Yeakel cherished her time in church, inspiring her to become a pastor herself. Reverend Yeakel has been pastor at the Ada First United Methodist Church since July of 2011. Since being ordained in upstate New York, she has also pastored in Ansonia, Dayton, Columbus, Worthington and Athens. She likes to call herself a “professional visitor.”

The third week in November each year is Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Collection Week worldwide. This First Baptist Church of Kenton will again be serving as an Operation Christmas Child relay center/collection station for organizations in the area.

TLC Ministries in Kenton will host a revival beginning Sunday, Nov. 8 at 6 p.m. with Evangelist Linda Haley Lester of Indiana.

Gordon and Judy Grieve will be the guest speakers at the Lima Chapter of Aglow International monthly meeting on Thursday, Nov. 12 from 9:30 a.m. to noon at WTLW TV 44, 1844 Baty Road, Lima.

A Gospel Meeting is set for Oct. 25-28 at Kenton Church of Christ, 10882 Ohio 53, Kenton. It will feature Ralph Royse from Troy. He previously preached in Ohio in Tipp City and Paulding, as well as in Indiana and Oklahoma.