POKAGON – As part of the events in observance of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Cass County Task Force on Family Violence, Domestic And Sexual Abuse Services, Cass County Prosecutor’s Office and the Cass County Youth Committee will hold their annual Candlelight Vigil at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 1.

The observance will take place at the Old Rugged Cross Memorial Gardens, 60041 Vermont St., Pokagon.

Theme of this year’s vigil is “An Empty Place At The Table” because domestic violence has left many empty places at the dinner table as well as empty places in the hearts of family, friends and loved ones.

Fourth District Judge Stacey Rentfrow will be keynote speaker for the evening.

This one-hour observance will include brief comments from guest speakers, prayers and songs and, most importantly, a candle-lighting ceremony.

Domestic and Sexual Services invites the community to attend the Oct. 1 vigil and also encourages the public to learn more about this devastating crime affecting friends and families.

For more information, please call Rita Reed, (269) 273-6154, ext. 109. DASAS is a private, non-profit organization serving domestic violence and sexual assault survivors in Cass and St. Joseph counties since 1984.

This weekend, is the The Old Rugged Cross annual Praise Service on Saturday, Sept. 19 and Anniversary Celebration Service on Sunday, Sept. 20, featuring Michiana vocalists and Pastor Dan Greegor of the Sumnerville Bible Baptist Church.

The Praise Service marks a return by “Sisters x Two,” Goshen, Ind., Southern Gospel singers who performed earlier this year.

The Praise Service will begin at 7 p.m. in The Original Old Rugged Cross Church, on Vermont Street in Pokagon.

The public is invited. There is no admission charge. A free will offering supporting the vocalists’ music ministry will be collected.
“Sisters x Two” includes Tammy (Hall) Meredith and Linda Hall, and Tammy’s husband, Mike. The women are “sisters twice” because they are biological sisters, but also “sisters in Christ, born again into the family of God, through the belief in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.” Mike Meredith is the duo’s manager and operates their sound system.

The Old Rugged Cross Foundation (ORCF) also is the sponsor of the Sunday, Sept. 20 Anniversary Celebration Service in the historic church. That service will begin at 2:30 p.m. The last 2009 Hymn Sing will be Sunday, Oct. 4, at 6 p.m.

Tours to see progress on the historic Church’s restoration will be available three times during the weekend. First, at 6 p.m. on Saturday, before the Praise Service. Then twice on Sunday – at 1 p.m. and again after the 2:30 p.m. worship service concludes.