Soup donations would bowl over churches in area

Those Campbell Kids aren't the only ones saying "M'm good!" when hearty soups are ladled out. Members of area churches are participating in the annual Souper Bowl of Caring by filling empty soup pots with boxes and cans of soup fixings to be distributed to food pantries and homeless shelters.

This year's event takes place Sunday, Feb. 3.

If your church isn't dishing up donations and you want to help the hungry in our midst, these outreaches will welcome your offerings:

*Southwest Emergency Services, 1201 Maple Ave., 9-11:30 a.m. weekdays and 6-8 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month.

410-247-8154.

*West Side Shelter, Spring Grove State Hospital Center property.

Rob Quigg takes calls at 410-285-4674 for delivery by appointment schedules.

*Nativity Lutheran Church, 120 Linden Ave. The church's elders lead this special service, which is open to the community.

Call 410-242-9441 if you need directions.

> Gobble up a feast of fluffy pancakes and tasty side dishes on Shrove Tuesday, Feb. 5, at Halethorpe-Relay United Methodist Church, 4513 Ridge Ave. Freewill offerings. Lenten-themed activities. Arrive by 6:15 p.m.

A menu of details is available at 410-242-5918.

*A quiet sanctuary is the church's gift to the community on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 6.

Enter between noon and 3 p.m. for private prayer, reflection and personal communion.

Head back at 7:30 p.m. for traditional group worship.

> Hope Presbyterian Church's seasoned chefs offer pancakes with assorted toppings and an array of egg entrees on Shrove Tuesday, Feb. 5, 5-7 p.m., at 4748 Shelbourne Road.

Tickets are $6 in advance or $10 at the door.

Call 410-247-4673.

> Lansdowne United Methodist Church's good cooks will serve five kinds of pancakes, hash browns, eggs, bacon, sausage and applesauce at 114 Laverne Ave. on Shrove Tuesday, 3-7 p.m.

Adults may purchase tickets at the door for $6.50; $3 for ages 6-12; those younger eat free.

Betty holds tasty details at 410-242-9156.

> Arbutus United Methodist Church's cooking crew will serve up platters of pancakes, accompanied by spicy meats, at 5:30 p.m. on Shrove Tuesday, at 1201 Maple Ave.

Kathy has tidbits to share at 410-242-9029.

*The church's members will observe Ash Wednesday, Feb. 6, with Communion and remembrances at 1 and 7 p.m. Open to all.

> Christ Church of the Deaf's door will swing wide at 1040 S. Beechfield Ave. to call believers inside. On Ash Wednesday, Feb. 6, at 6 p.m., a hearty soup supper precedes a special worship.

*On Feb. 9, a spaghetti dinner fundraiser for next summer's deaf and blind camp costs $8 for adults and $5 for children.

Sign on for both meals at 410-247-5045 V/TTY or 443-756-5078 (MD. RELAY).

> The Church of the Holy Apostles, 4922 Leeds Ave., serves Holy Eucharist at 10 a.m. and again at 7 p.m. on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 6. The community is invited.

*The church has a Lenten series in the offing for Wednesdays, beginning with a light supper Feb. 13.

Ask about it at 410-242-5477.

> Ash Wednesday Masses are scheduled for noon and 7 p.m. in Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 4414 Wilkens Ave., with ash distribution at each.

> Ash Wednesday Masses begin at 9 a.m., noon and 7 p.m. in the Church of the Ascension, Poplar and Potomac avenues, with ash distribution at each.

Call 410-242-2292.

*We join Ascension's parishioners in issuing a warm welcome to the Rev. John Williamson, whose arrival Jan. 15 was heralded with great joy.

> Volunteers in Mission members from several area churches will travel to North Carolina on Feb. 8-15 to refurbish flood-damaged homes there. Keep these generous folks in your prayers, please.