During the era just before the Civil War, huge numbers of Irish immigrated to the United States to escape the horrors of poverty and famine. Unfortunately many American citizens refused to welcome them, and treated them shamefully, even with violence. Signs on many businesses seeking workers stated “Irish need not apply”.

The Waynesfield Baptist Church, 512 N. Westminster St., will be hosting John Hickman “In a Concert of Worship” at 8:30 at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 22.

CAREY — The Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation, Carey, is continuing the tradition of its annual Family Day on Sunday, Sept. 29. The 11 a.m. Mass will take place in the Basilica. After the Mass, there will be a free lunch served at the Shrine cafeteria. At 1:30 p.m. there will be Devotions along with an outdoor rosary procession around the Basilica with families carrying the statue of Our Lady of Consolation.

ADA — Bethel Church of Christ in rural Ada will celebrate its 150th anniversary on Sunday, Sept. 15.

ADA — The Ada Full Gospel Church, located at 1047 Ohio 235, is set to host a 21st Century Revival featuring Rod Vincent Sept. 8-10.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.—Proverbs 1:7 School has started recently. You know how I know? I can come home to a quiet house at 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. Of course, around 3, all bedlam lets loose. Whose turn is it to pick up the kids? Who has practice for what and where? When will we find time to help with homework? Do we have enough craft supplies for that ‘creative’ history/science/English project? Of course, I also get reminders from my various former schools about the new crop of new students moving onto campus and preparing for the oncoming academic year. Oh, the hopes and dreams and yearnings of youth! How I envy them…for all of about 20 seconds.

ADA — The congregation of the New Birth Living Word Ministries has seen many changes in recent years, but it has a home now and its leaders believe God was with them every step of the journey. The church was founded in Alger by Wayne Vaughn. The Kenton resident had found a vacant church building in the village and made arrangements for his new church to be housed there. After much remodeling, the congregation grew. But after six years, a disagreement with the owner of the church forced Pastor Vaughn and his followers to seek another home.

I love coffee. My love affair with coffee is probably bordering on inappropriate. I am nerdy about my coffee. I buy green coffee beans and roast them myself. I grind them myself and make coffee fresh every morning, either in a pour over machine, a specialty French press, or a coffee maker named “The Connoisseur.” If money and time/energy were not limiting factors, I would open my own coffee roaster and use the profits to fund charitable causes around the world. I love coffee.

How often do you use the word “love?” Do you tell your family, friends, co-workers, and church members that you love them? We are to love everyone and spread the love of God. There is an old church song that says, “They’ll know we are Christians by our love.” Do people know that you are a Christian? Can you easily be shaken or are you able to stand firm when the storms of life strike?

Revivals with evangelist Corey Carroll will be held from Aug. 12-17 at Auglaize Free United Baptist Church, located 15 miles west of Kenton at 11890 Ohio 309, Maysville. The revivals will take place at 7 p.m. on Aug. 12-16 and at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17. Homecoming will be held at 11 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 18.