The white doors of Zion COGIC Church at 8304 Frankstown Ave. were open to welcome the community of Homewood/East Hills March 28.

Formerly New Beginnings Church in Braddock, Rev. Gregory Greene, led his family and ministry to a higher ground, which happens to be the community where he grew up. Those who attended the inaugural service were delighted and filled with hope for the area’s future.

SOUL PROVIDERS—Reverend Gregory Greene and wife, Thera Greene; daughters Veronica Greene and Kezia Greene, Elder Mark Graves Sr., and wife, Yvonya; Joyce Todd and Elder Steve Todd.

APRIL 14—New Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 1434 Juniata St., North Side, will host the 44th Pastoral Anniversary of Rev. Dr. Samuel W. Williams Jr. at 7 p.m. The theme is “44 Years of Vision, Obedience, Faithfulness & Dedication.” There will be nightly services with special guests, which include Rev. Thomas Holland, Rev. Wanda Sawyer, Rev. David B. Lee, Rev. William C. Calloway, Rev. Elton Allen and Rev. Lowell T. Williams. The anniversary will run through April 18. There will also be an anniversary banquet at Trinity AMEZ Church, 3105 Allendale St. Tickets are $25 for adults and $12.50 for youths. For more information, call 412-322-3838.

With spring here, it’s time to dust off the grill (if you put it away, that is) and showcase your skills with an early start to one of America’s favorite family pastimes—charcoal grilling. An outdoor cookout is an inexpensive way to gather family and friends for great-tasting barbecue that celebrates the start of warmer weather.

Whether it’s a quick meal fired up for the family, or a big backyard cookout for the whole neighborhood, grilling gives you the flexibility to prepare delicious food that feeds a crowd without spending a fortune. Try these cash-saving tips:

After a brutal winter aren’t you just a little geeked about spring? I’m ready to celebrate the season.

Believe it or not I’m even excited about spring cleaning. I even volunteered to join the Green Team at work and assist in ridding an area in the city of debris and abandoned tires. We’re going to do this on Earth Day.

A friend of mine just completed a similar task and she told me about some of the crazy items that they found. She was most surprised about the number of parking meters.