Church news

Ash Wednesday worship with Holy Communion will be 6 p.m. Wednesday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Brainerd. Imposition of ashes will be offered for those who wish to partake. Special music will be provided by the TLC Singers.

UCC forum to focus on youth

This Sunday's Forum at First Congregational United Church of Christ, Brainerd, will be conducted by church member Dawn Stattine. The subject will be the Brainerd Lakes Area Youth as Resources program for which Dawn is the director. We will be informed as to how this organization works to aid youth in achieving grants with which to implement local projects that benefit the local community. The forum begins at 11 a.m. following the church service at 10 a.m. The church is located at 415 Juniper St. across from the southwest corner of Gregory Park.

'What on Earth Am I Here For?'

GARRISON -- This is the subtitle of the national bestseller by Rick Warren, "The Purpose Driven Life." It has been the question at the root of discussions in homes and churches across the country. During the church season of Lent, it will be the focus of study and discussion at Light of the Cross Lutheran Church of Garrison.

At Light of the Cross on Wednesday evenings beginning Feb. 25, the themes and lessons from the book will be explored. Each night begins with a soup and sandwich supper at 6 p.m. followed by music, teaching, prayer and discussion at 7 p.m. The topics will include: Feb. 25: What on Earth Am I Here For? (With traditional Ash Wednesday Observance); March 3: You Were Planned for God's Pleasure; March 10: You Were Formed for God's Family; March 17: You Were Created to Become Like Christ; March 24: You Were Shaped for Serving God; and March 31: You Were Made for a Mission.

We will be encouraging participants to meet together to explore the ideas and challenges presented in the book and Sunday morning worship during this time will also relate to the weekly themes. Contact Light of the Cross at (877) 406-9101 for more information.

Spaghetti supper at Park United

The men's club of Park United Methodist Church will have an all you can eat spaghetti supper from 4:30-7 p.m. Tuesday. Cost: $6 for adults, $3 for children 5 to 12 years old and freewil for ages 4 and under. The building is handicapped accessible and to-go dinner are available.

Bishop Strommen to speak

Peter Strommen, bishop of the Northeaster Minnesota Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, will be the guest pastor at Bethel Lutheran Church on Sunday. Strommen has served as bishop since 1996. The 9 a.m. service will be followed by a potluck lunch. Bethel is located on the corner of Thompson Rd. and Five Mile Rd.

St. John's Parish to host smorgasbord

St. John's Parish, Lastrup, will host a smorgasbord serving from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 29 at the parish center in Lastrup. The menu includes turkey, ham, dressing, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, hot dishes, salads, homemade breads and pies. Adults, $7; ages 6-12, $5; under 6 are free.

Lent begins Feb. 25

The church season of Lent will begin on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 25, with a 7 p.m. Holy Communion service at Bethel Lutheran Church in Palisade. The imposition of ashes in the shape of a cross upon the forehead will be optional.

The traditional Lenten soup suppers will be each Wednesday at 6 p.m. throughout the month of March. A freewill offering at each supper will be sent to the "Safe Homes, Hopeful Futures" project in Duluth. Mid-week Lenten worship services will follow the soup suppers. The theme for the 7 p.m. services will be "Built on a Rock."