A government shutdown that could soon become the longest one in history means Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits disbursal is on pause with Thanksgiving only weeks away. Local food assistance organizations and the churches that …

To update your listing or add a listing, please email pressrelease@theitem.com and include Church News in the subject line. Sumter First Assembly, 1151 Alice Drive, will hold its Family Fun Fest and Craft Fair from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. …

PHILADELPHIA - At the Arch Street Meeting House in Philadelphia's Old City, more and more young people are seeking respite from a clamorous technological age in the silent worship of a centuries-old faith. Like other Quaker houses of worship, it …

The foundation of the Christian faith, along with the hope of eternal salvation in the next life, is based on the torturous death and glorified resurrection of the only perfect individual we know as Jesus Christ. When we trust that His sacrificial …

This is not really my last column. More on that in a moment. I've been writing a column for church newsletters for 41 years. About 10 years ago, Nancy Lee Zimpleman suggested we send the columns to the local paper, The Item. A few other papers …

Church members and friends take part in a fellowship meal at Concord Presbyterian Church on Sunday at the church's homecoming service. There were about 150 attendees at the service, according to the Rev. Jon Beane. After the lunch, a 25-year-old …

To update your listing or add a listing, please email pressrelease@theitem.com and include Church News in the subject line. The Church Women United of the Greater Sumter Area will celebrate World Community Day at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, at St. …

People ask me, "When did you decide to become a pastor?" My answer is a bit unusual. As far back as I can remember, I wanted to be a pastor. In our country vernacular, we called it being a "preacher." When asked, "What do you want to be when you …

The Daughters of Esther, a faith-based mentoring program for young women, is making a significant impact in the local community through leadership training, community service and spiritual development. Founded in 2018, the Daughters of Esther is …