The Lycoming Valley Baptist Church Widows Ministry invites area widows to its third annual Valentine Luncheon, “a heartfelt event designed to provide encouragement, connection, and hope,” a news release said. The luncheon will occur from noon to 2 p.m., Feb. 8, at Lycoming Valley Baptist Church, 4980 Lycoming Mall Drive.

The event is free of charge and features a catered lunch, a speaker, and special gifts for all attendees. Reservations are required and can be made by calling or texting Shawna Hakes at 570-772-2961 or by emailing shawna.hakes@gmail.com.

The church’s Widows Ministry was founded in the fall of 2022 to support widows through fellowship and faith. Ministry leader Shawna Hakes, a widow herself, understands how difficult Valentine’s Day can be for those who have lost their spouses, the news release said.

“With so much commercial focus on romance, it’s easy for widows to feel isolated. This event is a chance to remind them that they are loved and never alone,” Hakes said, according to the news release.