With Video: St. John the Baptist Church Dedicates Donated Statue

Anonymous donation honors Father Ferdinand Wolber of Detroit.

A statue of Saint John the Baptist, which money for the gift was anonymously donated to the St. John the Baptist Catholic church in Howell, was dedicated on Sunday in front of the parish.  The statue, which took two years to complete, is the work of Michigan artist Ginger Hadd of Ypsilanti and is in honor of the memory of Father Ferdinand Wolber from Detroit, who passed away in 2009. The Rev. Francis George of St. John the Baptist church says several members of the church knew Father Wolber from his many years of service.  "There’s a lot of people in this parish who knew Wolber or were friends with Wolber or who were baptized by Wolber,” George said. The decision was made to purchase a statue in Wolber’s honor and George researched several…

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Weekend Planner: Food Drive With Santa, Cookie Walks, Fiber Art Sale and Warm N' Cozy Bazaar

Here's a look at what's happening around the Hartland area this weekend.

1. SEE SANTA AND MRS. CLAUS, HELP GLEANERS Where: Tyrone Township Hall, 10408 Center Road, Fenton When: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3 Cost: Bring non-perishable food goods for people and pets; there's no charge to take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus Why go: Help families in need during the holiday season; also, you may bring your camera to take the kids' pics with Santa and Mrs. Claus. 2. BLACK SHEEP WEAVERS FIBER GUILD'S ANNUAL HOLIDAY SALE Where: Hartland Insurance Agency, 2532 N Old US 23, Hartland (Howell mailing) When: 3-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2 and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3 Cost: No admission fee Why go: The sale offers unique, hand-crafted, fiber-based items at reasonable prices while helping to support local fiber artists. 3. WARM …

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Hartland Stories of Faith

Small Groups Help Churches Achieve More

Close-knit clusters are more than just Bible study.

I had a vague idea of digging deeper into the Bible when I first joined a “life group” session in 2009, but I’ve gained much more than expected. That first group, organized by The River at 59, ate together, discussed various topics or themes, prayed together at the start and end of each meeting (and sometimes cried together). The interactive nature of the studies didn’t just stop when we left the meeting hosts’ door: We also had regular “homework.” One of the things that made me breathe easier, though I didn’t think much about it at first, was the policy we all agreed on right away during the first session. What’s said in life group stays in life group, which is somewhat similar to the saying "what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas." Well, …

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Hartland Stories of Faith

Stephen and BeFrienders Ministries Lend a Helping Ear

They Also Aid Pastors in Caring for Their Congregations

Chances are you know a great event or program at your church or another one in the Hartland area community. Hartland Stories of Faith is a new column that will feature those programs and those behind them. Let’s take a look at this week’s featured churches: St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, All Saints Lutheran Church and St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Parish. You’re the sole caregiver of someone who’s ill.  Perhaps you’ve had a death in the family. Or maybe you’ve lost your job. And someone’s standing on your last nerve…. Your pastor's terrific, but he's swamped. You don't want to burden family. So, who can you call upon to just listen and not judge how you feel about the situation? There are so many needs in each church that pastors …

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Churches Combine Forces to Brighten Holidays

Livingston Christmas Store Offers a Lift to Those In Need

A festive air enveloped the former Hartland High School building Saturday as members of area churches worked together to provide a little Christmas cheer to more than 300 people in need. Terry Prisk, lead pastor of The River on 59, said the church's intent is "to be the hands and feet of Jesus. … We wanted to bring a specialness to Christmas for as many people as possible." About 100 volunteers helped set up the night before and about 250 turned out Saturday to assist in the event, which took place at the Hartland Educational Support Service Center, 9525 E. Highland Road. "We do this to show our families joy, to lighten their burdens for at least one day, because everyone deserves that at Christmas time," said Carol Smith, organizer of …

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