Religion Notes

The Diggles Family, full-time Southern Gospel recording artists, will perform at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 14, at the First Christian Church of Inverness, 2018 Colonade St., Inverness, directly behind the RaceTrac.

The Diggles family is led by Doug Diggles, who sings lead tenor, baritone, bass and plays the piano. Christina sings, plays the violin, viola, guitar, classical guitar, piano, mountain dulcimer and mandolin. Kate adds the third part of the family harmony and plays the violin, mandolin, piano and arranges some musical pieces.

Diane Diggles brings an extra beauty to many of the songs by interpreting them through sign language and runs the soundboard.

All are invited to attend this wonderful concert and there is no charge for the tickets. For more information, call the church at 352-344-1908.

Congregation Beth Sholom

Congregation Beth Sholom invites members of the community to enjoy good food, friends and crime-solving fun at 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, in Kellner Auditorium, behind the synagogue, 92 Civic Circle, Beverly Hills.

Even the dinner is a mystery, but will be delicious. Tickets are $30 per person. Call 352-746-6258 for more information and reservations. Deadline is Jan. 20.

Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church

The Catholic Women’s Club of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Inverness is pleased to announce that a Military Card Party will be held on Saturday, Jan. 28, in the Parish Hall, 550 U.S. 41, Inverness.

Doors open at 11 a.m., lunch is served at noon, and games commence at 1 p.m. The afternoon ends at 3:30 p.m. Funds raised benefit the many charities the Catholic Women’s Club supports.

An entrance fee of $15 includes a lunch buffet, dessert, door prizes, and an afternoon of “military” card playing, trying to capture flags at each table.

For information and reservations, call Laura at 352-634-2141. Reservations are required.

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church

The St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church’s Community of Catholic Women will conduct the annual Elite Repeat Clothing and Jewelry Sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day, Feb. 3-5.

This event will be held in the parish hall located at 1401 West Country Club Blvd., Citrus Springs. Join them in doing some shopping and bring a friend as well.

St. Benedict Catholic Church

The St. Benedict’s Community of Catholic Women will host a Military Card Party on Tuesday, March 14, in Hilgert Hall at St. Benedict Catholic Church on the corner of Suncoast Boulevard (U.S.19) and Ozello Trail in Crystal River.

Doors will open at 11:30 a.m. A $15 donation includes lunch, game winners’ prizes, and raffles. Full tables or individual reservations welcome. Come meet new people and have fun!

Reservations are necessary. Contact Lynda Samm at 352-628-5229 after 4:30 p.m.

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church

Popular Christian recording artists Mayda and Quique Rivera will appear at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Dunnellon on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 21 and 22.

The duo, which has been a blessing to so many, will be providing all music for all Masses at St. John’s that weekend.

They will also have their many CDs available for purchase plus some new ones.

English masses are at 4:30 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Sundays. The Spanish mass is at 12:15 p.m. Sundays.

St. John’s is at 7525 U.S. 41, at the southeast corner of 40 and 41 in northern Dunnellon.

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Dunnellon will have a Chinese auction Saturday, Feb. 11.

Over 140 gift items will be available to be bid on. Visitors will be greeted by ladies in Oriental attire. For $5, receive an envelope with 20 tickets for use to bid on the pieces you want to win. Additional envelopes of 20 tickets are $3.

Chicken chow mein and jumbo hot dogs will be available for purchase. Doors open at 11 a.m. and bidding closes at 12:30 p.m., at which point the winning ticket for each item will be drawn and the winner announced.

St. John’s is at 7525 U.S. 41, at the southeast corner of 40 and 41 in northern Dunnellon.

First Presbyterian Church of Inverness

First Presbyterian Church of Inverness, 206 Washington Ave., will have its annual Trash-n-Treasure Sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19 and 20 and from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 21.

It will include all sorts of items such as furniture, sporting goods, electronics, kitchenware, small appliances and more. The church phone is 352-637-0770.

Donations will be accepted from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 16-18, at the church. We will also be available to pick up some items at that time, if called in advance.

There will be food and a bake sale available for donations during the sale. Funds will be used for a scholarship.

Faith Lutheran Church

Faith Lutheran Church’s Spring rummage sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Feb. 10 and 11 at 935 S. Crystal Glen Drive, Lecanto, inside the Crystal Glen subdivision.

Items that will be available are handmade quilts, knick-knacks, household items, jewelry, books, clothing and more. There will also be a bake sale.

Proceeds will go to missions and charity. This is a Thrivent sponsored event.

Spanish-language group

Atención hermanos y amigos de Citrus County: Únanse a nosotros para aprender más de la palabra del señor Jesucristo en un estudio bíblico llamado “grupo de vida” a las 10 de la mañana todos los Domingos en el local de la iglesia Nature Coast U.S. 19, 1513 Homossasa. Contactos a Enrique 352-257-1484 los esperaremos.

{h4 style=”font-size: 12px;”}St. Thomas Catholic Church{/h4}

The Women’s Guild of St. Thomas Catholic Church, 7040 S. Suncoast Blvd. in Homosassa, meets at 1 p.m. the third Wednesday of every month from September through May in the St. Martin’s Hall.

The main purpose of the guild is to sponsor the church’s liturgies throughout the year. New members are always welcome.

Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church

A Trash and Treasures Church Yard Sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 550 U.S. 41 S.

Everyone is invited. Private individuals are invited to bring and sell their goods and merchandise. Spaces are available for $10 each and should be reserved in advance.

For more information or to reserve a space(s), contact Jeanne at 352-419-7249 or jeannem6522@gmail.com. Sponsored by the Catholic Women’s Club of Our Lady of Fatima.

Our Lady of Grace Church

Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Beverly Hills will hold an outdoor flea market on Saturday, Jan. 7, from 8 a.m. till 1 p.m. on the church property at 6 Roosevelt Blvd.

Commercial vendors and private individuals are welcome to bring and sell goods. Spaces are available for $10 and should be reserved in advance. For more information or to reserve a space, contact Rose Mary at 352-527-6459 or send an email to wjeselso@tampabay.rr.com.

The church holds flea markets monthly, September through May, usually on the first Saturday of the month.

SUPPORT

St. Anne’s Episcopal Church

St. Anne’s Church, 9870 W. Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, hosts a monthly “Grandparenting” program to offer support to grandparents who are raising their grandchildren. The program is held the second Wednesday of every month, from 5:30-7 p.m.

There is no cost to participants. This is a nonreligious program, for the purpose of helping our community. Children are invited and will meet separately from the grandparents. Pizza is served to the children; light snacks are served to the adults. Coffee, tea and lemonade are provided.

Have questions? Call the church at 352-795-2176 or Tom Thomas at 352-634-5516.

{h4 style=”font-size: 12px;”}Seven Rivers Church{/h4}

The church offers several support groups for family issues:

Are your children angry, hurt, and confused about your separation or divorce? DivorceCare for Kids (DC4K) is a safe, fun place where your children, ages 5-10, can learn skills that will help them heal.

DC4K groups blend games, music, stories, videos, and discussion to help kids process divorce and move forward. DivorceCare for Kids meets at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Seven Rivers Church.

Relatives As Parents (RAP) is offered to grandparents and other relatives who have taken on the role of primary caregiver for related children.

This support group is a free, informative support group meeting where you can gather with fellow grandparents and relative care providers who share similar experiences. Assorted topics will be discussed that can help you and the child you care for. RAP Support Group meets the second Thursday of each month at Seven Rivers Church.

Teen MOPS is a faith-based, supportive, and safe environment where teen moms (22 and younger) can come together with other moms who are in a similar life stage.

Through Teen MOPS, young moms can build friendships and grow as parents in a place where they are fully known and deeply loved. Teen MOPS meets at Seven Rivers Church. Visit the website for meeting dates.

For more information about these groups, visit www.sevenrivers.org or call the church office at 352-746-6200.

{h4 style=”font-size: 12px;”}North Citrus Christian Church{/h4}

Friends of Citrus and the Nature Coast offers a Grief Study Group from 2:30 to 4 p.m. every Tuesday at the Wings Grief Center, 8471 W. Periwinkle Lane in Homosassa.

This is a faith-based study sponsored by North Citrus Christian Church which provides help for those experiencing “little deaths” in life as well as the loss of a loved one.

For information or to preregister, call 352-249-1470. For details about their other programs, visit friendsofcitrus.org or Friends of Citrus on Facebook.

{h4 style=”font-size: 12px;”}Faith Lutheran Church{/h4}

Faith Lutheran Church offers a grief support group that meets the first Wednesday of each month at 1 p.m. in the fellowship hall. The church is located at 935 S. Crystal Glen Drive, Lecanto.

Grief comes in many forms and for many reasons. The support group helps those in the midst of loss take the journey in finding who they are.

For more information, call 352-527-3325.

{h4 style=”font-size: 12px;”}Homosassa First United Methodist Church{/h4}

The free Memory Lane Support Group & Respite Program meets from 1 to 3 p.m. every Monday at Homosassa First United Methodist Church, 8831 W. Bradshaw St.

This program has been in existence for nearly 10 years. It started as a support group for caregivers, but quickly evolved into a support group for those caring for loved ones with memory issues and dementia.

For more information, call 352-628-4083 or visit 1umc.org.

{h4 style=”font-size: 12px;”}The Hills Church{/h4}

Celebrate Recovery meets every Monday from 6-8 p.m. at The Hills Church, 2 Civic Circle, Beverly Hills. It is a Christ-centered recovery group for hurts, hang-ups and habits. Call Tom or Sheila Boss for more information, at 410-353-7857. Celebraterecovery.com.

St. Thomas the Apostle

The St. Thomas the Apostle Bereavement Support Group meets every Thursday from 1-2:30 p.m. on U.S. 19, 300 yards South of Cardinal and just past Walmart.

The group takes a positive approach to grief by helping grievers learn how to make a new life, even when they don’t want to. Just come, sit and listen. 30 years of experience has taught them how to help make a positive difference in a person’s life. Anyone can attend.

For more information, call 352-220-1959.

{h4 style=”font-size: 12px;”}GriefShare support groups{/h4}

The journey of grief is a painful process that you don’t have to walk alone. Grief is an emotional wound, which, similar to a physical wound, must be treated for proper healing. Being in a group of understanding and supportive people who are experiencing grief can make grieving easier. The group is open to anyone who has lost a loved one. GriefShare features videos of nationally recognized experts on grief topics and the stories of people who have healed from grief.

A GriefShare support group begins Jan. 9 at the Hernando Church of the Nazarene, 2101 N. Florida Ave. (U.S. 41) in Hernando on Mondays from 10 a.m. to noon. All are welcome. Call the church office at 352-726-6144 or Ruth Brincefield at 352-212-0570 for more information.

A GriefShare support group meets at the First Baptist Church in Crystal River from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, 700 N. Citrus Ave. For more information, call First Baptist Church at 352-795-3367 or visit griefshare.org.

A new session of GriefShare at First Lutheran Church, 1900 W. State Road 44 in Inverness starts Jan. 12 at 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Call 352 726-1637 for more information.

On Wednesdays, beginning on Jan. 11, a GriefShare group will meet at North Oak Church in Citrus Springs. This group is open to anyone and can be joined at any time. There is no charge for the group sessions. The church is at the corner of North Elkcam and North Citrus Springs boulevards in Citrus Springs. Call 352-489-1688 for more information.

FOOD & FELLOWSHIP

Floral City United Methodist Church

Floral City United Methodist Church is holding a takeout pork loin dinner from noon to 3 p.m., or until they run out, on Jan. 21.

The meal includes sliced pork loin, mashed potatoes, green beans, cole slaw and lemon poke cake for a donation of $10. For more information, call 352-344-1771.

Faith Lutheran Church

Faith Lutheran Church is having a pork roast dinner fundraiser at 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 27, at 936 S. Crystal Glen Drive, Lecanto.

The cost is $12 for adults and $5 for children under 10. Tickets must be purchased by Friday, Jan. 20.

If interested, purchase tickets at the church office from 9 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday. The fun event will conclude with entertainment provided by the Journey Men.

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church’s Confirmation Class of 2023 invites you to join them for a homemade spaghetti dinner complete with salad, bread, a beverage and a dessert. Two seatings for dinner in the parish hall will be at 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

This fundraiser will help with the costs of the Confirmation Retreat.

Tickets are on sale starting Jan. 7 after the Masses and in the church business office. Ticket prices are $7 for adults, $4 for children ages 4-12 years; children under 4 eat for free. St. John the Baptist Catholic Church is at 7525 U.S. 41 South, Dunnellon.

For more information, call MaryAlice at 352-489-3166.

First Presbyterian Church of Inverness

The Men’s Fellowship will be providing a free breakfast for all homeless, EMTs, firefighters, police, and the local community at First Presbyterian Church of Inverness, 206 Washington Ave., Inverness, from 8-11 a.m. Feb. 18.

This is in part from the proceeds from the Trash-n-Treasure Sale in January.

We will provide pancakes, sausage, coffee, tea, water and, of course, butter and syrup.

Donations will be accepted.

St. Scholastica Catholic Church

Join the St. Scholastica Knights of Columbus for breakfast the third Sunday every month through April 16, 2023, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. located at 4301 W. Homosassa Trail, Lecanto.

The menu consists of sausage and scrambled eggs, hashed brown potatoes, french toast, pancakes, orange juice, fruit bowl, regular and decaf coffee. The cost is $8. The breakfast is served in the hall behind the church and is open to the public. Join for fun, good food and good conversation.

The money they make from the breakfasts go to support the community and the leftover food is taken to a local homeless shelter.

{h4 style=”font-size: 12px;”}Real Life Fellowship{/h4}

Real Life Fellowship is now offering a complimentary dinner every Wednesday evening at 5 p.m., with a Bible study from 6-7:30 p.m. We are located on 2301 Carter St. in Inverness, Enter the building on the left side after entering the driveway. For information or questions, call Pastor Robin at 352-201-6828 for a return call.

{h4 style=”font-size: 12px;”}St. Margaret’s Church{/h4}

The Feed My Sheep feeding program at St. Margaret’s Episcopal church in Inverness is Fridays at 11:30 a.m. St. Margaret’s Church is at 114 N. Osceola Ave. in downtown Inverness near the courthouse. Call 352-726-3153.

The Food Pantry is open from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The pantry offers canned, dried and frozen foods to anyone in need in Citrus County. Call 352-726-3153.

{h4 style=”font-size: 12px;”}St. Elizabeth Ann Seton{/h4}

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Citrus Springs serves those in need with free boxes of food from its food pantry. To sign up, call 352-465-6613.

{h4 style=”font-size: 12px;”}Red Level Baptist Church{/h4}

Living Bread Food Pantry at Red Level Baptist Church will have a food distribution from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. the last Wednesday, and from 3 to 5 p.m. the second Sunday each month for anyone who is in need of food in the community. The church also has toiletries and clothing. Items will be distributed at the Red Level Baptist Church parking lot, 11025 W. Dunnellon Road, Crystal River, 1 mile off U.S. 19 on West Dunnellon Road (County Road 488). Those in need of emergency assistance at other times may call the church at 352-795-2086. Visit redlevelchurch.com.

{h4 style=”font-size: 12px;”}Rivers of Life Restoration Ministry{/h4}

Rivers of Life Restoration Ministry Inc. operates the Seven Loaves Food and Clothing Pantry at Helping Hands Thrifty Treasures, 9699 W. Fort Island Trail, Crystal River. The free-to-all Food Pantry is now open from noon to 3 p.m. every Tuesday. Call 863-666-4129 for more information.

{h4 style=”font-size: 12px;”}St. Timothy Church and LifeTree Church{/h4}

Food pantry from 9:30 a.m. to noon every Tuesday at LifeTree Church, 1501 SE U.S. 19 in Crystal River during the pandemic, outside in front of the building. For more information, call 352-403-1498.

{h4 style=”font-size: 12px;”}First Lutheran Church of Inverness{/h4}

Food pantry from 10 a.m. to noon. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. For more information, call the church at 352-726-1637. The church is at 1900 W. State Road 44, Inverness.

{h4 style=”font-size: 12px;”}Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church{/h4}

Helping Hands Our Lady of Fatima, 604 U.S. 41 S. in Inverness offers an outreach program to help those in need, supported by their thrift store. Those who qualify are assisted with utilities every four months, prescriptions every three months, clothing every three months and food every two months.

To qualify for the outreach program, bring a current picture ID, proof of residence, Social Security cards for all household members, proof of income (pay stubs, tax forms, SSI statement, etc.), car payment and car insurance to an intake meeting.

The thrift store is accepting donations from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday of slightly used clothing, household items, furniture in good shape (no mattresses), food (not outdated) and personal hygiene items.

The food pantry is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday at 604 U.S. 41 south, Inverness. Call 352-726-1707. The food pantry provides nonperishable foods for people facing temporary hardship who live in Inverness, Floral City and Hernando. Emergency assistance for utility shut-offs and some prescriptions. Some restrictions apply. Photo ID with current address required.

{h4 style=”font-size: 12px;”}North Oak Church{/h4}

Food and non-food items are available on the fourth Saturday of every month at North Oak Church in Citrus Springs, from 10 a.m. until noon. These two ministries are open to anyone who has a need and there is no charge.

Enter the church property from North Citrus Springs Boulevard and a supply of paper products, detergents, personal items and more will be brought to your car. Drive around, following the driveway, and food items will also be brought to the vehicle. Then, exit onto North Elkcam Boulevard.

Items vary based on availability while supplies last. More information on the website: northoakbc.org.

{h4 style=”font-size: 12px;”}St. Anne’s Episcopal Church{/h4}

St. Anne’s Episcopal Church Food Pantry is now the first four Wednesdays of the month from 3 to 4 p.m. in the parish hall (never on fifth Wednesday), 9870 W. Fort Island Trail, Crystal River. Registration and ID are required. For information, call 352-795-2176, ext. 101. Free served meals and giveaways are canceled until further notice.

LIVE & LEARN

{h4 style=”font-size: 12px;”}Nature Coast Community Bible Study{/h4}

Nature Coast CBS has an online Zoom class for working men on Monday evenings; 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. This 30-week, in-depth study features Colossians, Christian Living (Philemon, 1-2-3 John &Jude), Job and James. Visit our website, naturecoast.cbsclass.org for more information and to register or email Terry Marshall at naturecoastcbsstudy@gmail.com or call 352-445-5096.

{h4 style=”font-size: 12px;”}North Oak Church{/h4}

A before- and after-school care program is now available for Citrus Springs Elementary School students. North Oak has over 30 years’ experience in caring for the children in this community. KidCare is located in the KidZone at North Oak Church in Citrus Springs.

A Citrus County School bus will provide transportation to the school from the church facility and back in the afternoon. The program is licensed and insured. Workers are background screened and trained.

Mornings begin at 7 a.m. and the bus picks the students up at 9 a.m. They return at 4 p.m. and there is a structured afternoon with a homework room and outside recreation when the weather permits until parents/guardians pick up by 6 p.m. A full-day schedule for school holidays includes games, crafts, Bible time as well as outside activities. (Full days are by registration only.)

There is an opening limit of 20 students. While more may be added later, it’s best to secure a spot for your child(ren) as soon as possible.

To get more information, go to northoakbc.org/KIDS, email your interest to nobckidcare@gmail.com or call 352-489-1688 and a packet of information, including the fee structure, will be sent to you.

There is an opening limit of 20 students. While more may be added later, it’s best to secure a spot for your child(ren) as soon as possible.

{h4 style=”font-size: 12px;”}North Oak Church{/h4}

English as a Second Language (ESL) is offered at North Oak Church in Citrus Springs. Classes begin at 6 p.m. Anyone who wishes to improve their English-speaking skill is welcome to come and work with teachers trained in assisting. There is no charge for the classes. North Oak is at the corner of North Elkcam and North Citrus Springs boulevards in Citrus Springs. Entrance off of North Elkcam. The building is across from the playground. For more information, 352-489-1688 or northoakbc.org.

{h4 style=”font-size: 12px;”}Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints{/h4}

The Family History Center at 3474 W. Southern St., Lecanto, is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the family-friendly, free ancestry resource/research center. For information, call Frances Austin at 352-746-5943.

{h4 style=”font-size: 12px;”}Cross Bound Ministry{/h4}

Broadcasts with a focus on Bible teaching and strengthening the family on radio station 720AM every Sunday at 8 a.m.