Former OSU player to be speaker at Easter service

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PIQUA — A special worship service to celebrate the joy of Christ’s resurrection is being planned for Easter Sunday, April 16, at 10:15 a.m. at Piqua’s St. Paul’s Church. The public is invited to attend. Three guests will be joining the St. Paul’s pastoral team to add to the Easter worship service.

Former OSU /NFL football standout Bobby Carpenter will share his personal testimony of faith, providing strength and encouragement to folks of all ages. After a great college experience at Ohio State, including the National Football Championship in 2002, Carpenter was a 2006 first round draft pick by the Dallas Cowboys, and during his 7-year NFL career played for the Cowboys, Rams, Dolphins, Lions and Patriots. Now 33, Carpenter is a sports analyst, working on a variety of channels: Fox News, the ESPN family of networks and the Big Ten Network. He also hosts a daily afternoon radio talk show in Columbus “Carpenter and Rothman” on 97.1 The Fan WBSN-FM, works with many community charities and travels to provide motivational and inspirational talks to people of all ages.

Marlana VanHoose, of Kentucky, a 21-year-old Christian singer, will fill the sanctuary with her voice as she shares her joy of Easter. VanHoose’s music brought tears to the eyes of first lady Melania Trump and Vice President Mike Pence when she performed the hymn “How Great Thou Art” at the Washington National Cathedral during the Interfaith Prayer Service following the Presidential Inauguration in January.

Famous for her many appearances singing the National Anthem – Reds opening day, NASCAR races, NBA Cavalier’s Championship game and more, her real forte is singing for the Lord. She has accomplished much while overcoming much. She was born blind with CMV (cytomegalovirus), was not expected to live, and by 2 was also diagnosed with mild cerebral palsy. At age 10 she stopped growing. She has performed all over the United States at various events and churches, even at Carnegie Hall and in 2015 was presented the Youth Artist of the Year Award. She is the daughter of Teresa and David VanHoose, of Kentucky, and is the great-niece of Piqua residents, Barbara and John Schwarz.

The third special guests at St. Paul’s will be a children’s ministry by Van Hart and Isabel the Talking Skunk. Through puppetry and magical tricks, Van Hart and Isabel will show to the children God’s love and the gifts he has given to each. Through interactive participation, the children will learn of God’s unconditional love for them.

Praise at St. Paul’s Evangelical and Reformed Church is located at 500 N Downing St. in downtown Piqua. The church is handicap accessible.

Staff report

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