RICHMOND — I will mention the loving-kindness of the Lord, and the praises of the Lord, according to all that the Lord hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his loving-kindness.

For he said, Surely they are my people, children that will not lie: so he was their Saviour.

In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old. (KJV)

(Isa 63:7-9)

NAACP meeting

The Richmond/Madison County Branch of the NAACP meets on the first Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. in the First Baptist Church, 302 Francis St., Richmond.

Free-lunch ministry

Every Thursday, from noon to 3 p.m., Saint Paul AME Church, 437 Francis St., Richmond, serves a free lunch to all who come. “This is an ongoing, weekly ministry to serve the hungry, the homeless and feed anyone who walks in our doors,” says Pastor William Hale.

Chili luncheon

Saturday, March 9, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the the Eastern Star will host a chili luncheon at the Ashler Lodge No. 49 at corner of Francis and E streets. Cost of a meal with chili, drinks and deserts will be $6. Matron Paula Garrett and Patron Charles Hawkins are chairpersons.

‘Be in the No?’ Domestic, teen violence seminar

A seminar/open forum for girls and young women on teen dating violence and sexual assault will be conducted 10 a.m. Saturday, March 9, at St. Paul AME Church, 437 Francis St., Richmond. Refreshments will be served. The seminar is free and open to the public, but a love offerings will be taken and donations will be appreciated.

For details, contact Susie Bates, 353-5329 or 779-9280, or Jessica Browning 773-3393 or (502) 773-3393

Pathway to Wholeness session

Pathway to Wholeness, “A God-centered, Bible study recovery program based on the 12-step principles, meets 6 p.m. every Thursday at  Saint Paul AME Church, 437 Francis St., Richmond.

“Please come and join us in learning about the healing power of Christ,” said the Rev. Junann Johnson, the leader. The Rev. William R.T. Hale is the pastor.

Appreciation lunch March 14

“For those who serve in our community — elected officials, law enforcement officers, fire fighters, EMS personnel, city and county workers, pastors, ministers and all of those who serve faithfully throughout our Richmond and Madison County community, and therefore all those who work to serve others, the St. Paul AME Church, extends a very special invitation to come on Thursday, March 14, anytime between noon and 4 p.m. to eat a free meal, have fellowship and give the ministers, officers and members the church an opportunity to show you how much we appreciate all that you do!”

Concord annual Friends Day

Sunday, March 17, at 3, p.m., the Concord Predestinarian Baptist Church will host its annial friends day. Their special guests will be Elder Virgil Gardner, choir and congregation of Pleasant Green Predestinarian Baptist Church. Everyone is invited to come and worship with us, said Elder Anthony Phelps Sr., the host pastor. Dinner will be served.

Spring revival at First Baptist

March 18-22, the Rev. David Peoples of Centerville Missionary Baptist Church in Bourbon County will be the guest preacher for the spring revival, 7 p.m. nightly, at  the First Baptist Church, 302 Francis St., Richmond. Music will be provided by First Baptist choirs. The Rev. Robert R. Blythe is host pastor. For more details, call the church  at 624-2045.

Upward Bound Ministries

“Teen Turning Point” is an intervention and prevention program for teens identified as “At Risk” for academic failure, substance abuse issues and potential judicial interaction.

• Is your teen experiencing trouble at school? (suspension, truancy, grades)

• Does your teen display defiant or rebellious behavior?

• Has your teen had problems with the law?

Register your child online at www.upwardboundministries.org

Teens with defiant and rebellious behaviors, substance abuse, or potential judicial interaction issues needs this program. Our goal is to improve the health and well-being of teens in Madison and the surrounding counties, specifically addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Other Ministry Components:

Turning Point: An intervention program for adults with addictions and compulsive behaviors issues.

Cope: Supports parents, spouses, grandparents or family members who are affected by the addictions and compulsive behaviors of family members or friends.

Lifeline: Is drug awareness and prevention that is telecast once a week to Time Warner Cable’s viewing audience in Richmond and Berea.

For more details about Teen Turning Point, call Darnell Hill, executive director/founder, at 986-1650 or TTP Coordinator Brad Reynolds, 200-1632. We are located at Church on the Rock 1049 Richmond Road in Berea.

Special note

To all churches and civic organizations: To place your church or civic activity in this column, please send all information at least one week in advance via the U.S Postal Service. The new address is: Church & Community Focus, 715 Bonanza Rd Richmond, KY 40475. E-mailed announcements should be sent to: anthonyphelps45@yahoo.com and all announcements must be received by 6 p.m. on the Tuesday of the week you wish your announcement to appear in the newspaper.

Until next week

May the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus stay fresh in your minds, and in all thy heart. Until we meet again God bless you.