Church digest

Bible school plans requested

COLUMBUS -- Churches that will be holding vacation Bible school this summer are asked to submit their information to the Columbus Telegram for printing.

Include dates, times, associated fees, contact names/numbers and ages or grades for children who can attend.

Those with information are asked to e-mail it to news@columbustelegram.

com.

Retreat set at St. Benedict Center

SCHUYLER -- A weekend retreat titled, “The Spirituality of Thomas Merton II,” directed by Father Patrick W. Collins, Ph.D., will take place at St. Benedict Center over the weekend

The retreat is based on the thoughts Merton shared in his letters, exploring the themes of Church, Christian truth, spirituality, Vatican II, liturgy, and ecumenism.

The retreat begins at 7:30 p.m. today and ends Sunday after lunch.

Program fee is $60; cost for room and board are additional.

Register early by calling the St. Benedict Center at (402) 352-8819.

Pearson to speak at two churches

SCHUYLER -- Chaplain Ted Pearson from the Columbus Rescue Mission will speak at two morning worship services Sunday.

He will speak at 8:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church at North Bend and at 10:30 a.m. at Christ United Methodist Church in Schuyler.

Pearson will describe how the mission helps people in need through the support of area churches and communities. Columbus Rescue Mission offers temporary shelter, food pantry assistance, clothing, household furnishings and furniture, chapel services and Christian counseling to those in need. They also support area churches by encouraging those enrolled in their programs to participate in church services.

The public is invited to attend.

Prayer retreat set for May 28-June 1

SCHUYLER -- A Contemplative Prayer Retreat, directed by Sister Corin Kraus, will take place at St. Benedict Center, four miles north of Schuyler on Highway 15.

Christian contemplation is a way of praying not with words, but by attentively resting in the presence of God. Bring loose fitting clothing of neutral color. The retreat will begin at 6 p.m. May 28 and end at 9 a.m. June 1. The program fee is $80; cost for room and board are additional.

Register early by calling the center at (402) 352-8819.Request printing May 30, June 6 if possible

Quartet set to perform at church

NEWMAN GROVE -- “Forgiven Quartet” will be presenting a morning of southern gospel music at 10:30 a.m. June 8 at Fellowship Bible Church, 1011 Hale Street in Newman Grove.

The quartet is composed of four men from Oklahoma who have been singing together for 26 years and perform 125 concerts each year. In 2002 they were selected ‘Grand Champions’ in the group competition at the Branson Gospel Music Association’s Showdown 2002.

The event is open to the public. For more information, call (402) 447-2304.

Retreat for Sisters slated June 1-6

SCHUYLER -- A Retreat for Religious Sisters titled, “Let Your Servant Go in Peace,” will be held at the St. Benedict Center and directed by Father Germar Neubert, OSB.

The retreat begins at 6 p.m. June 1 and ends June 6 after lunch. Focus will be on how to prepare for “the last third” that remains.

The total retreat fee is $290; two or more Sisters signing up together pay $270 each. Tax will be added for Sisters from out of state.

Register early by calling the St. Benedict Center at (402) 352-8819.

Missionary to speak at churches

SCHUYLER -- United Methodist Church Missionary Deb Keeney will speak at two churches June 8.

She will speak at 8:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in North Bend, and at 10:30 a.m. at Christ United Methodist Church in Schuyler.

Keeney is the program manager of Justice for our Neighbors-Nebraska (JFON-NE), a faith-based outreach ministry of the United Methodist Committee on Relief. The mission of the JFON-NE is to welcome immigrants into our churches and communities by providing free legal services, education and advocacy. Volunteer driven clinics are held in Columbus on the last Tuesday of each month.

For an appointment or more information, contact JFON-NE at (402) 898-1349.