Religion Notes

Please celebrate Passover at Congregation Beth Sholom on Thursday evening, April 6, at 6 p.m., at Kellner Auditorium, behind the synagogue at 102 Civic Circle in Beverly Hills.

We will have a lively Seder with reading and singing led by Cantor Alisa Forman. We will be serving a traditional kosher meal featuring wine, matzah, haroset, gefilte fish, vegetable matzah ball soup, roast turkey (or vegetarian option), vegetables, dessert and beverages.

The cost is $36 per person. Call Sue Johnson at 207-356-2600 for more information and to make reservations. Checks payable to CBS should be mailed to CBS, P.O. Box 640024, Beverly Hills, FL 34464. Deadline is Monday, March 31.

LENTEN SEASON & EASTER

Faith Lutheran Church

Faith Lutheran Church at 935 S. Crystal Glen Drive in Lecanto, Crystal Glen Subdivision, State Road just east of County Road 490, invites all to Lenten, Holy Week and Easter Services:

March 15, 5 p.m. Lenten Service, “Alone in the Darkness”;

March 22, 5 p.m. Lenten Service, I’m Thirsty,” with potluck supper following service. All are welcome, even if you don’t bring a dish;

March 29, 5 p.m. Lenten Service, “It is Finished”;

April 6, 7 p.m. Maundy Thursday Service with Holy Communion;

April 7, 3 p.m. Good Friday Service, “Into Your Hands”;

April 8, 6 p.m. Easter Saturday Vigil Service; and

April 9, 7 a.m. Sunrise Easter Service and 9:30 a.m. Easter Service with Holy Communion, “Why Are You Crying?”

St. Anne’s Church

St. Anne’s Church at 9870 W. Fort Island Trail, Crystal River will observe the Lenten season with a Friday series with the Stations of the Cross service at noon, followed by a soup and salad luncheon at 12:30 p.m. and an educational presentation at 1 p.m. The series will be for five weeks. A good will donation will be appreciated for the dinner.

For more information, call the church office at 352-795-2176, Ext. 101.

The Hills Church

The Hills Church, 2 Civic Circle, Beverly Hills, invites the public to its Easter Weekend Celebration:

Friday, April 7, at 6:30 p.m., Good Friday service

Saturday, April 8, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Neighborhood Fun Day with an Easter egg hunt, bounce houses, food, drawings for baskets and a whole lot more

Sunday, April 9, 7 a.m. Sunrise service, 10:30 a.m. worship service.

For more information, call 352-746-6171.

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Dunnellon will host an Easter egg hunt Sunday, April 9, in the back field of the church at 11:45 a.m. For more information, contact MaryAlice Hogan at 352-489-3166. The church is at 7525 U.S. 41 south, Dunnellon.

First Presbyterian Church of Inverness

Saturday, April 8, at 10 a.m., everyone is invited to Breakfast with the Easter Bunny & Egg Hunt. RSVP for free tickets: email Lori Evans at dcelori.fpc@gmail.com. or go online to https://allevents.in/ inverness/free-event -breakfast-with-the -easter-bunny-and-egg -hunt/80002625161616

Easter Sunday, April 9: Worship services will be at 7 a.m., 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Everyone is accepted and welcome.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Cornerstone Baptist Church

Dove- and Grammy Award-winning recording artist David Phelps will be featured in Inverness at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 11, at the Cornerstone Baptist Church. Perhaps best known as the powerful tenor for the award-winning Gaither Vocal Band, Phelps continues to constantly build on a career as a leading voice in Christian music.

He has performed at numerous prestigious venues across the globe, including the White House, New York’s Carnegie Hall and the Sydney Opera House in Australia. This 2023 After The Downbeat Tour stop will feature songs from more than a dozen multi-award-winning recordings he has to his credit.

Cornerstone Baptist Church is at 1100 W. Highland Blvd. in Inverness. For more event information, visit www.davidphelps.com or www.itickets.com or call 352-726-7335.

Christian Women’s Connection

The Christian Women’s Connection will meet at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 14, at Sugarmill Woods Country Club, 1 Douglas St., Homosassa. Brunch is served for $15 per person. RSVP: Christine at 727-247-6618 no later than March 7.

Peace Lutheran Church

The church will have a Rummage Sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 29, 7201 U.S. 41, Dunnellon.

Call 352-489-5881 for information. Everything you never knew you wanted: Christmas, clothing, toys, tools, books/puzzles, dishes, glassware, home decor, electronics and more.

First Baptist Church of Inverness

Messiah in the Passover, a demonstration showing how Jesus fulfilled the ancient feast of Passover, will be held at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 18, at First Baptist Church of Inverness, 550 Pleasant Grove Road. All persons of Christian and Jewish faiths are invited.

Messiah in the Passover will be conducted by Dr. Rich Freeman. Messiah in the Passover begins with the traditional Passover Seder table complete with all the articles of this important Jewish celebration. The speaker will explain the symbolic meanings of the various items of the Passover feast and highlight their relationship to the Last Supper that Messiah celebrated with the disciples, giving special emphasis on the redemptive significance of the crucifixion.

The demonstration gives the Christian community insight into Jewish traditions so that the Jewish roots of Christianity can be better understood. This program also helps the Jewish and Christian communities understand their common heritage.

For more information, call 352-726-1252.

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.

Our Lady of Grace Church

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

Shoppers are welcome. Commercial vendors and private individuals are welcome to bring and sell goods.

Spaces are available for $15 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.

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.

FOOD & FELLOWSHIP

St. Margaret’s Church

In celebration of St. Patrick of Ireland, the church will have its annual Corned Beef and Cabbage Saint Patrick’s Dinner on Friday, March 17, at 5 p.m. All are welcome whether you are Irish or not.

Tickets are $10. Saint Margaret’s is at 114 N. Osceola Ave. in downtown Inverness; 352-726-3153.

Peace Lutheran Church

Peace Lutheran Church invites the public to a corned beef hash dinner from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Monday, March 20.

And everyone is invited to the Community Meal at Peace Lutheran, 7201 U.S. 41, Dunnellon, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Monday, April 17. On the menu are meatball subs, slaw, beverages and dessert.

This is our Community Outreach; Community Meal free to all. The Church on the Hill is at highways 40 and 41. Call 352-489-5881.

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church

The church in Citrus Springs serves those in need with free boxes of food from its food pantry. For our Easter distribution we will be giving out ham gift cards as well as additional special seasonal food items.

Because Easter falls early in April, we will be doing this food distribution on Saturday morning March 25 (beginning at 9 a.m.). Please call 352-465-6613 on Tuesday, March 21, to sign up.

St. Scholastica Catholic Church, Knights

Join the St. Scholastica Knights of Columbus for their monthly breakfasts from 8:30-10:30 a.m. the third Sunday of each month.

The menu consists of sausage and scrambled eggs, hashed brown potatoes, french toast, pancakes, fruit bowl, orange juice, regular and decaf coffee; cost is $8.

The church is at 4301 W, Homosassa Trail in Lecanto. The breakfast is served in the hall behind the St. Scholastica church. Open to the public.

The money made from the breakfasts goes to support the community, and the leftover food is taken to a local homeless shelter.

Grace Methodist Church

Grace Methodist Church is collecting donations of nonperishable food goods for local food pantries. Donations can be brought to Grace Methodist, 5030 S. Memorial Drive, Homosassa, on Sunday mornings, 9-10 a.m. Donors are invited to stay for coffee and donuts, as well as the church service. Church begins at at 10 a.m.

St. Scholastica Catholic Church

Join the St. Scholastica Knights of Columbus for breakfast the third Sunday every month through April 16 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 hot lunch 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;”}Red Level Baptist Church{/h4}

Living Bread Food Pantry at Red Level Baptist Church has a food distribution from 4-5 p.m. the second Wednesday, and from 9-10 a.m. the last Wednesday 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, 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.

First Lutheran Church of Inverness is starting a hot meal program for a free hot meal once a week, every Tuesday, for anyone in need of the service. Meals will consist of an entrée, vegetable, piece of bread, small pastry or dessert, and when possible additional snacks. They will provide as many meals as the family needs. The Hot Meal Program will serve from 4-5 p.m., while meals last.

There is drive-thru pickup. It will be first-come, first-served (limited amounts of meals will be available while they assess the demand). If you or someone you know is in need of a free hot meal, please come by. You can take as many meals as you need to feed your family and even pick up extras for your neighbors as well.

{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

Nature Coast Community Bible Study

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.

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.

Seven Rivers Church

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.

North Citrus Christian Church

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.

Faith Lutheran Church

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.

Homosassa First United Methodist Church

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.

The Hills Church

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.

Suncoast Baptist Church

Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered ministry helping others with hurts, habits and hang ups. They meet from 6 to 8:30 p.m. every Thursday at Suncoast Baptist Church, 5310 S. Suncoast Blvd., Homosassa.

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.

GriefShare support groups

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.