New Hope’s Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 30 was well-attended. All kids and adults alike had a great time!

– Submitted by New Hope Presbyterian

Please share this flyer with your family, friends, co-workers and church. We sincerely appreciate your continued prayers and support.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

– Submitted by Cathryn Stickley

The third and final installment of the three-part series “Toward 2017: Rediscovering Luther’s theology as expressed in his hymns” will be held on April 28 at 3 pm, at College Lutheran Church, 210 South College Avenue, Salem. The event is free and open to the public, and will be handicapped-accessible. Refreshments will follow. Presenters for this session include Charles Shenberger, Dr. Robert Benne, Natalie Hartwig, and Karen Adams.

For more information, contact Karen Adams at College Lutheran Church, 389-4963.

- Submitted by Karen Adams

Faith Shelor gives the Easter Bunny a high-five. Photo courtesy of Linda Shelor

Faith Shelor, daughter of Justin and Beth Shelor and granddaughter of JR and Linda Shelor and Grady and Nancy Hewitt of Salem, gives a “high five” to the Easter Bunny.

– Submitted by Linda Shelor

Local Office on Aging representative Amy Lawson will speak at the Salem Church of Christ on April 9 at 11:30 a.m.

Lawson will discuss the services available to seniors in our area with special emphasis on inhome services. The community is welcome to attend the potluck luncheon and presentation. The church is located at 401 W. Main St.

– Submitted by Linda Dimengo

Charlotte Hale shares these photos of the Easter Play held in Sherwood Memorial Amphitheater.

The 15th-annual Lebanese Festival at St. Elias Maronite Catholic Church will be held May 31, June 1-2 at  4730 Cove Road, N.W., in Roanoke.

The festival features delicious Lebanese food, including a wide variety of vegetarian choices and customary Lebanese dishes and pastries, toe-tapping live Lebanese music by a professional musician and traditional Lebanese dances in full costume.

As it has since 2007, WDBJ7 will again sponsor the festival, which will be held rain or shine.  Hours are Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.  Admission and parking is free; there is a moderate charge for food and children’s activities.

Available again this year will be  ”A Taste of Lebanon,” a special area displaying information about the country, unusual Lebanese musical instruments and artifacts, ornate Lebanese dress, a hookah, colorful rugs, and a “saj” — a special device used for baking the famous Lebanese flat bread.

Activities for children include face painting, an obstacle course and a Moon Walk.  There will be a well-stocked silent auction featuring items from local businesses, gift baskets and restaurant gift certificates. Samer Jazrawy, professional musician, will be on hand to provide the live rhythmic Lebanese music that persuades guests to get up and dance.

In addition, tours of the church will explain the rich history of the Maronite Catholic rite, one of the oldest churches within Christianity. There will be takeout available for food orders: The form may be found on the church’s website and faxed to (540) 562-1300. There will also be “Frozen-To-Go” bulk food of select items also available to purchase for heating at a later time.

For more information, call St. Elias Church at 540-562-0012 or visit the website at www.steliaschurch.org.

– Submitted by Carol Abbott

Read on for Carol’s tabbouleh recipe! Read more »

Our church, CommUNITY Church, is doing something that is rare in our day and time! On Saturday, March 30, we will hold a free, no donations accepted, car wash, face painting and lunch to the entire community. This will be held at AutoZone in Salem from 11-2. This is our way of showing our community that we love and appreciate them.

– Submitted by Thomas McCracken

Living Well Church of the Nazarene
3631 Evelyn Drive Salem, VA
Pastor Steve Parker 540-597-6207

Friday, March 29th @ 7 pm – GOOD FRIDAY CONCERT
The Dominion Trio
Justen Bruffy
Living Well Praise Team
Living Well Teen Snack Bar

Saturday, March 30th 8am-? – SPRING FLING
YARD SALE Begins at 8am
PANCAKE BREAKFAST served from 8am – 10am
Several Activities for CHILDREN – including an Easter Egg Hunt between 10am-2pm
CAR WASH (for donations) from 11am – 2pm
HOTDOG LUNCH will be served from 11am-1pm

Sunday, March 31st – EASTER SUNDAY
Breakfast @ 9:30am
Sunday School @ 10am AND 10:15am
Worship Service @ 11am

Directions: Rt 460W to right on McDaniel Drive at Andrew Lewis Place
Follow McDaniel Drive to church property on left.

Submitted by Todd Sutphin

The Salem Community Easter Drama at Sherwood Memorial Park Amphitheater is March 29 and 30 at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free, but we will receive donations for the Salem Food Pantry. This will be followed by an Ecumenical Sunrise Service Easter Sunday at 7 a.m.

– Submitted by Brian Gordon