I lead a Bible study that is currently studying Joel, one of the minor prophets. I fully admit, this is a book I am fairly unfamiliar with. I know I have read Joel, as I have read the entire Bible. But I could not tell you much about the book off the top of my head.

CAREY — The Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation, Carey, continues the tradition of its annual Family Day on Sunday, Sept. 30. Pastoral care and offering assistance to families to grow in faith together has always been a priority.

CAREY — The Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation, Carey has announced its annual celebration of Latino on Sunday, Sept. 23. The noon mass will be in Spanish with the Spanish-speaking music ministry from Willard and dancers from Norwalk.

The author of the short New Testament book of First Peter reminds the early Christians that they have been called out of the world to live as the chosen and beloved people of God (see I Peter 2:9-12 NRSV). Instead of living to please and care for themselves, as is the way of the world in general, they now have a calling to live for God’s good purposes and to be witnesses of God’s truth and merciful love made possible by Jesus Christ.

Auglaize Free United Baptist Church will be hosting a revival with evangelist Corey Carroll Monday through Friday, Sept. 17-21 at 7 p.m. The church is located 15 miles west of Kenton at 11890 Ohio 309, Maysville. Church pastor is Bill Prater.

Where I grew up, the county fair took place the last week of August. For all of my childhood, that last week was the only time we took a vacation.

The Franciscan Friars at the Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation, Carey, have developed the theme of “Consolation.” The public is invited to attend Mass on Saturday, Sept. 8 at 5:30 p.m. and/or Sunday, Sept. 9 at 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and noon. Fr. Jim Sichko will be the celebrant.

The Ada Full Gospel Church will be hosting a 21st Century Revival featuring Rod Vincent for three nights beginning on Sunday, Sept. 9. The Sunday services will begin at 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., with the Monday and Tuesday services set for a 7 p.m. start.

Like most of us, I am looking forward to this Labor Day weekend. Who could not use an additional day off? But as it often happens while we all enjoy a long weekend we often forget the meaning and origin of the particular holiday.

From 1945 until about 1991, the term “Iron Curtain” was well known and in the news a great deal of the time. The term referred to a political barrier separating the former Soviet bloc countries from the West.