CHURCH BRIEFS

GARRISON -- Several youths from Light of the Cross Lutheran Church in Garrison will travel to Denver in June on an urban mission trip. They will work with several area ministries that help the most vulnerable people in the Denver area. To raise funds for this trip, the youth group will serve a chicken dinner 4-7 p.m. Saturday at the church, two blocks west of SuperValu, next to the VFW Club in Garrison.

Bethel Lutheran sanctuary dedication slated Sunday

Bethel Lutheran will hold a dedication service during the 9 a.m. Sunday worship service. The congregation recently refurbished the sanctuary with new carpet, pews and paint. A potluck picnic will follow the service. Bethel is approximately five miles southeast of Brainerd at the corner of Thompson Road and Five Mile Road.

Community Covenant Church to close

After 117 years of service in the Brainerd lakes area, the Community Covenant Church at 323 S. Ninth St. will close. Jim Freitham, the Northwest Conference superintendent, and Mark Stromberg, associate superintendent, will speak at a final worship and celebration of more than 100 years at 3 p.m. Sunday. Lunch will be served after the service. The Northwest Conference plans to begin a new Covenant Church here later. In the meantime, Pastor Jon Gehrls will be available to the remaining members of the congregation as visitation pastor.

Park United Methodist senior activity set

Seniors of Park United Methodist Church are invited to meet at the church parking lot at 2 p.m. Sunday to carpool to the home of Mike and Sue North. Mike is a "bird bander" and will discuss bird banding and identification, how he captures the birds, what information he records on each bird and how he attaches the band. It is a chance to see birds up close and learn about their habits.

After the outing, the group will gather at Bonanza for supper. Those who only want to have dinner may come to Bonanza at 5 p.m.

Minnesota Teen Challenge scheduled

Heritage Assembly of God Church in Baxter will host Minnesota Teen Challenge in a free performance during the 9 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday services.

The choir's contemporary gospel and praise songs will be accompanied by student stories of their deliverance from addiction by the power and forgiveness of God. The students will be available after the service to answer questions.

Old Time Gospel Night canceled

Because of a scheduling conflict, Old Time Gospel Night at Heritage Assembly of God in Baxter is canceled Friday. Another gospel night will be announced at a later date.