Grief Support Event
Facing the Firsts – A Grief Support Event hosted by Good Samaritan Hospice
January 17, 202610:00 AM 1:00 PM
116 Browns Hill RoadValencia, PA, 16059United States (map)
Facing the Firsts – A Grief Support Event hosted by Good Samaritan Hospice
Event location: Good Samaritan Hospice 116 Browns Hill Rd., Valencia, PA 16059
Date: January 17, 2026
Time: 10:00 am- 1:00 pm
This grief workshop is designed to help individuals prepare for how to navigate those first holidays, birthdays and other special occasions, without their loved one being present. This year, we will also address the matter of, "sometimes the second year seems worst than the first." This workshop will also allow time for bereaved individuals to connect and share with one another. The Facing the Firsts ... workshop will be hosted by Good Samaritan Hospice Bereavement Coordinator, Marcia Jones-Washington. Please call to RSVP by Friday January 9, 2026. Lunch will be provided to all registered attendees.
To Register Call: Good Samaritan Hospice: 1-800-720-2557
Facing the Firsts – A Grief Support Event hosted by Good Samaritan Hospice
January 17, 202610:00 AM 1:00 PM
116 Browns Hill RoadValencia, PA, 16059United States (map)
Facing the Firsts – A Grief Support Event hosted by Good Samaritan Hospice
Event location: Good Samaritan Hospice 116 Browns Hill Rd., Valencia, PA 16059
Date: January 17, 2026
Time: 10:00 am- 1:00 pm
This grief workshop is designed to help individuals prepare for how to navigate those first holidays, birthdays and other special occasions, without their loved one being present. This year, we will also address the matter of, "sometimes the second year seems worst than the first." This workshop will also allow time for bereaved individuals to connect and share with one another. The Facing the Firsts ... workshop will be hosted by Good Samaritan Hospice Bereavement Coordinator, Marcia Jones-Washington. Please call to RSVP by Friday January 9, 2026. Lunch will be provided to all registered attendees.
To Register Call: Good Samaritan Hospice: 1-800-720-2557
President’s Perspective
Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!
As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, I’ve been reflecting on how excited Mary and Joseph must have been as they waited for His arrival. That made me think about how excited Diana and I were as we awaited the amazing gifts God gave us, the births of our son and daughter. Those moments are ones I will never forget, filled with joy, anticipation, and gratitude. We prayed often for God’s guidance as we embraced the responsibility of parenthood.
Christians often reflect on how Mary and Joseph must have felt, knowing that the child entrusted to them was the Savior of the world. I’m sure they prayed earnestly for God’s wisdom and strength.
Click below to read the complete article …
Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!
As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, I’ve been reflecting on how excited Mary and Joseph must have been as they waited for His arrival. That made me think about how excited Diana and I were as we awaited the amazing gifts God gave us, the births of our son and daughter. Those moments are ones I will never forget, filled with joy, anticipation, and gratitude. We prayed often for God’s guidance as we embraced the responsibility of parenthood.
Christians often reflect on how Mary and Joseph must have felt, knowing that the child entrusted to them was the Savior of the world. I’m sure they prayed earnestly for God’s wisdom and strength.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
– Isaiah 9:6
As you prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, remember to take time out of your busy schedule to join us for Advent or Christmas services as we honor this most precious gift, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year in the hope and peace of Christ.
In Christ,
Bob Schmidt
Congregational President
Lost and Found
FYI ... each Monday we find various items left at church ... jackets, glasses, gloves, cups, etc., so if you have misplaced an item and think you may have left it in church, please give the office at call at 412-221-4776, ext 203.
Here’s a perfect example
These YETI cups were left in church yesterday.
Feel free to pick them up in the church kitchen if they belong to you!
FYI ... each Monday we find various items left at church ... jackets, glasses, gloves, cups, etc., so if you have misplaced an item and think you may have left it in church, please give the office at call at 412-221-4776, ext 203.
Here’s a perfect example
These YETI cups were left in church yesterday.
Feel free to pick them up in the church kitchen if they belong to you!
Facing the Firsts - A Grief Support Event
Facing the Firsts – A Grief Support Event hosted by; Good Samaritan Hospice
Event location: Good Samaritan Hospice 116 Browns Hill Rd., Valencia, PA 16059
Date: January 17, 2026
Time: 10:00 am- 1:00 pm
This grief workshop is designed to help individuals prepare for how to navigate those first holidays, birthdays and other special occasions, without their loved one being present. This year, we will also address the matter of, "sometimes the second year seems worst than the first." This workshop will also allow time for bereaved individuals to connect and share with one another. The Facing the Firsts ... workshop will be hosted by Good Samaritan Hospice Bereavement Coordinator, Marcia Jones-Washington. Please call to RSVP by Friday January 9, 2026. Lunch will be provided to all registered attendees.
To Register Call: Good Samaritan Hospice: 1-800-720-2557
Facing the Firsts – A Grief Support Event hosted by; Good Samaritan Hospice
Event location: Good Samaritan Hospice 116 Browns Hill Rd., Valencia, PA 16059
Date: January 17, 2026
Time: 10:00 am- 1:00 pm
This grief workshop is designed to help individuals prepare for how to navigate those first holidays, birthdays and other special occasions, without their loved one being present. This year, we will also address the matter of, "sometimes the second year seems worst than the first." This workshop will also allow time for bereaved individuals to connect and share with one another. The Facing the Firsts ... workshop will be hosted by Good Samaritan Hospice Bereavement Coordinator, Marcia Jones-Washington. Please call to RSVP by Friday January 9, 2026. Lunch will be provided to all registered attendees.
To Register Call: Good Samaritan Hospice: 1-800-720-2557
Where Do You Fit?
Megan Pasquini talks about the Events Committee at Zion, and how it might be a good fit for you.
Megan Pasquini talks about the Events Committee at Zion, and how it might be a good fit for you.
We Mourn the Loss of Gladys Kolljeski
Gladys Kolljeski
February 25, 1933 - January 7, 2026
Gladys Kolljeski, 92, of Bridgeville, passed away Wednesday, January 7, 2026, in Canonsburg Hospital. She was born February 25, 1933, in Cecil Township, a daughter of the late Joseph and Elizabeth Storm Scanny. Gladys was a faithful member of Zion Lutheran Church, Bridgeville; a member of the Cecil #3 Ladies Auxiliary; and a longtime volunteer with Cecil Township Parks and Recreation. She enjoyed cooking for her family, playing bingo, and spending time at the casino. Gladys is survived by her son, George (Linda) Kolljeski, Jr.; her grandchildren, Brandon Kolljeski (Annie Culleton) and Allyson (Joshua) Bell; and her great-grandchildren, Gavin Bell and Gunner Bell, all of Cecil Township. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, George Kolljeski, Sr.; and her sisters, Joan Kovach, Dolores Preaux, and Gloria Godfrey. Friends will be received from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, January 9, in Coleman-Taylor Funeral Services, 3378 Millers Run Road, Cecil, PA15321, where a funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 10, with Pastor John Patterson officiating. Interment will follow in Robinson Run Cemetery. To share memories or condolences, please visit www.coleman-taylorfuneralservices.com
We only became aware of Gladys Kolljeski’s passing on Sunday, January 11, 2026 — otherwise this information would have been posted in a timely manor.
Gladys Kolljeski
February 25, 1933 - January 7, 2026
Gladys Kolljeski, 92, of Bridgeville, passed away Wednesday, January 7, 2026, in Canonsburg Hospital. She was born February 25, 1933, in Cecil Township, a daughter of the late Joseph and Elizabeth Storm Scanny. Gladys was a faithful member of Zion Lutheran Church, Bridgeville; a member of the Cecil #3 Ladies Auxiliary; and a longtime volunteer with Cecil Township Parks and Recreation. She enjoyed cooking for her family, playing bingo, and spending time at the casino. Gladys is survived by her son, George (Linda) Kolljeski, Jr.; her grandchildren, Brandon Kolljeski (Annie Culleton) and Allyson (Joshua) Bell; and her great-grandchildren, Gavin Bell and Gunner Bell, all of Cecil Township. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, George Kolljeski, Sr.; and her sisters, Joan Kovach, Dolores Preaux, and Gloria Godfrey. Friends will be received from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, January 9, in Coleman-Taylor Funeral Services, 3378 Millers Run Road, Cecil, PA15321, where a funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 10, with Pastor John Patterson officiating. Interment will follow in Robinson Run Cemetery. To share memories or condolences, please visit www.coleman-taylorfuneralservices.com
We only became aware of Gladys Kolljeski’s passing on Sunday, January 11, 2026 — otherwise this information would have been posted in a timely manor.
VIDEO: Sunday, January 11, 2025 - Complete Service
Each service at Zion Lutheran Church (normally the first of our two Sunday services) is streamed LIVE on our YouTube channel. These streams are for Sunday’s, Wednesday’s, Lenten, Advent, and special services. The entire service is streamed from beginning-to-end. Weddings and Funerals can also be streamed, if requested in advance.
