Northern Valley EMS, 2375 Levans Road, Ormrod, extends a welcome to the community for an open house 1-3 p.m. on June 9.

Ambulances, fire equipment and a medical transport helicopter will be on display.

There will be informative exhibits and games for children.

Free hot dogs and ice cream will be available for everyone.

On June 22, NOVA will have its annual barbecued chicken dinner, which may be enjoyed in the air-conditioned social hall or packaged for take-out.

The menu includes half a chicken, baked potato, corn on the cob, cole slaw, roll and dessert.

Tickets must be ordered in advance.

Call Julie at 610-262-7749 to reserve your barbecued chicken.

***

Look for the Upper Lehigh Lions' food trailer at Jordan United Church of Christ's summer festival June 7 and 8.

The event, at the church grove along Route 309 and Walbert Avenue, South Whitehall will be 5-10 p.m. both evenings.

***

The children of Union Lutheran Church, Schnecksville, have begun a garden to supply produce for the Northern Lehigh Food Bank.

The project started with the Biblical story, the Parable of the Sower, which was explained to the preschoolers.

The children then planted tomato seeds to raise plants for their garden.

Church member Ron Bealer broke the ground with a backhoe and tilled it to make it ready for planting.

On May 12, the "Kinder Garten" was blessed during the Sunday School hour.

Teachers report the garden is already on its way as an excellent opportunity for mission, education and fellowship.

Organizers look forward to having all Union Lutheran youth tend and maintain the garden throughout the season.

***

St. John's United Church of Chirst, 1415 Rising Sun Road, Laurys Station, welcomed 12 new members on May 5.

Matt Gorkos, who served as a student pastoral intern at St. John's, will be ordained into the ministry 3 p.m. June 9 at Lower Saucon UCC, Hellertown.

Matt invites those who shared his journey thus far to attend the service and the social time afterward.