Conestoga Valley townlively.com
NOVEMBER 17, 2021
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LVII • NO 48
Following God’s Lead BY ANN MEAD ASH
ulie Baum, supporter relations director of Align Life Ministries, is clear on how the organization, which first opened in 1985 as Susquehanna Valley Pregnancy Services, has come to be called Align Life Ministries. “The short answer is, ‘It was God’s idea,’” she said. The long answer is a little more complicated. “First, God taught us the importance of having the word Align in our name,” explained Baum, who added, “ W hen you align your heart and mind with Him, life springs forth.” She also noted that nearly a decade ago, the organization felt called to partner with other Christ-centered, life-affirming groups and began working with a ministry in Philadelphia, offering information on partnering with churches, engaging with donors, and even helping to obtain an ultrasound bus for one organization. But partnerships were only part of the
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story. The ministry also offers equipping resources to other organizations. “We were meeting with high school students and teaching them ways to walk in sexual integrity,” said Baum, referring to a curriculum for teens and young adults called “Sexuality by Design.” The ministry also offers leadership help in the form of president Lisa Hosler’s book called “The Unexhausted Leader.” “(Our reach) extended beyond the Susquehanna Valley, so the name Susquehanna Valley Pregnancy Services wasn’t going to work much longer,” said Baum. The organization’s pregnancy services centers, located in Lebanon, Lancaster, Ephrata, and Columbia, became Align Pregnancy Services. Becca Keretzman, director of the Ephrata location, explained that each center offers a variety of services, such as pregnancy tests, prenatal and parenting classes, a baby boutique, and other services, including ultrasounds at some locations.
Want To Really Alleviate Hunger?
Becca Koretzman (left) and Julie Baum of Align Life Ministries
Creating A Christmas Tradition More than two years ago, Cavod ballet director Stephanie Morales went to sleep one night and dreamed of a ballet. “(In the dream) were the names of the characters, their journey, and what it would be about,” said Morales, who woke up in the morning and wrote down everything she could remember. She brought the ballet to Connie Dienner, director at Cavod Academy of the Arts. The result was “Wonder,” an original Christmas ballet, which was performed for the first time in Cavod Theatre in 2019. The story is suitable for family members of all ages.
BY ANN MEAD ASH
Maybe it shows up on your Facebook page … or maybe it arrives in an email. The infographic purports to tell you why certain items are or are not good choices to donate to your local food pantry. Suggestions include donating boxed milk, a can opener, oil, and fresh produce and meat. At this point, you’re thinking, “Wow, I never thought of those See CVCCS pg 7
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
BY ANN MEAD ASH
Sierra Hurst will play Gracie.
See Cavod pg 6
Lincoln Everett as Nick
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See Align Life Ministries pg 8