By Karen Vance
Enquirer contributor

LINWOOD - Four Baptist churches in Greater Cincinnati are teaming up to bring a little hope to the flood-ravaged Dominican Republic, which shares an island with Haiti.

Columbia, Linwood, Wyoming and Bethel Baptist churches have been planning for months to take supplies and volunteer in the town of San Juan de Maguana near the Haitian border.

But after reports of widespread flooding on the island, organizers of the mission trip are concerned about the village they've made a connection to in recent years.

"I'm not sure if they've been affected or not. It's a mountainous community, but we are concerned about mudslides," said the Rev. Dianne Steelman, pastor of both the Columbia and Linwood Baptist churches.

She's visited the town before and worked last year to build a Baptist church for the community.

Even with the uncertainty, the churches are working hard to collect funds and donations for the trip scheduled for October.

The group of 15, ranging in age from 16 to 86, plans to build a home for the pastor of the church, distribute clothing and school supplies to a boys' orphanage and get personal items and over-the-counter medications to elderly people.

"One of the amazing things about the Dominican people is their joy and hope in the midst of great desperation. Their worship is very vibrant," Steelman said.

"We hope to bring to them the message that God provides."

The churches are sponsoring several fund-raisers this summer, beginning with a soup-and-salad luncheon at noon June 6 and noon July 11 at Linwood Baptist Church, 4808 Eastern Ave. The cost is $5. Reservations are required.

Then, on Aug. 15, Linwood will host a cornhole tournament and ice cream social at 4 p.m.

The tournament, $8 per person, includes all-you-can-eat ice cream.

Ice cream only is available for $4.

The registration deadline is Aug. 1.

"We, at each of the churches, get a great deal of joy out of sharing what amounts to a small portion of what God has given us. And going down there, we get a greater appreciation for what we have here," Steelman said.

For information about how to donate, and for reservations, call 231-4912.

MEMORIAL DAY THEME: The Horizon Community Church, which meets at Cincinnati Country Day School in Indian Hill, 6905 Given Road, will explore the topic "How Should I Feel About War?" at its 10:30 a.m. service Sunday.

The service will include drama and music and recognition of the church's veterans.

For information about the service, call 272-5800.

GOSPEL CONCERT: St. Mark's United Methodist Church in Fairfield will have a Gospel Evening at 6:30 p.m. June 6 with several local groups performing.

There will be an ice cream social following the event.

The concert at the church, 4601 Fairfield Ave., and social are free to the public.

For information, call 844-1818.

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To submit religion news, e-mail kvance@fuse.net or send a fax to 755-4150.