This year is one of those rare occasions when Valentine’s Day falls on Ash Wednesday which marks the beginning of Lent. And so the day known for the celebration of romantic love when we give chocolates and strawberries to our valentines collides with a day when we mark our foreheads with ashes and give up chocolate to mark the beginning of a season of repentance.

Pastor Anita VanBuskirk of Kenton Full Gospel Church will be preaching in Lima at the Full Gospel Temple of Love, 713 Edsel Ave., at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20. For any questions, call her at 567-674-4228.

Pastor Brandi Rigsby of the Ada First United Methodist Church places ashes on the forehead of church member Cathy Smalley at the church’s first drive-thru Ash Wednesday observance.

The quartet Latter Rain will appear in concert at Kenton Full Gospel Church, 129 N. Wayne St., at 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11. All are welcome to come for an evening of Southern gospel music and praise, and prayer for the sick.

Some time ago, I remember seeing a hypnotist on some TV program. The volunteer after being told he was eating an apple, took a bite of a raw onion.

Latter Rain quartet will be in concert on Sunday, Feb. 4 at Victory Chapel of Praise, located at 13634 Ohio 235 in Harrod. Service begins at 10 a.m. All are welcome to attend. For more information, call 419-889-0308. Submitted photo

ADA — On Wednesday, Feb. 14, Christians around the world will observe Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday marks the first day, or the start of the season of Lent leading up to Easter Sunday and the resurrection of Christ. Lent is a time when many Christians prepare for Easter by observing a period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline. The …

One of those times in life when for which I have tremendous gratitude came during the years when I was a show choir parent. I got to watch my kids gain confidence and poise and to have an experience when “good enough” was not a part of the plan.

LIMA — Trinity United Methodist Church’s 2017-2018 Ronald W. Richards Music Series will be presenting Young Local Artists in concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 28. Come enjoy an afternoon of music by Young Local Artists performing various pieces that they performed at the OMEA Solo and Ensemble Contest.

Kenton Full Gospel Church will be welcoming Pastor Joe Compton at 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 28. Compton will be visiting from Full Gospel Temple of Love in Lima and will preach on The Lord’s Prayer.