Panther Valley news

Coaldale

Christmas program

The Children's Christmas Program will be presented at First Congregational Church, Coaldale, at 9 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 27.

In addition, the White Gift presentations will be made during the program.

Nesquehoning

Crime watch

The next Crime Watch meeting in Nesquehoning will be held on Jan. 12 at 7 p.m in the borough hall.

Summit Hill

Methodist Charge

The Coaldale/Summit Hill United Methodist Charge's Christmas Eve services will be held on Thursday, Dec. 24, at 6 p.m. in the Summit Hill church and at 7:30 p.m. in the Coaldale church, with the Rev. Burgess Gordon officiating.

On Sunday, Dec. 27, the morning worship service will be held at 9 o'clock in the Summit Hill church, followed by the service in the Coaldale church at 11 o'clock. A service of Holy Communion will be observed in both churches. Pastor Gordon will preside.

The adult Sunday school will meet at 9:45 a.m. in the Coaldale church.

Holiday Masses

The Rev. James Burdess, pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Summit Hill, has announced the schedule of holiday Masses for Christmas.

They will be held on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, at 4, 7 and 10 a.m., and on Christmas Day at 9 a.m.

St. Paul Lutheran

St. Paul Lutheran Church, Summit Hill, will hold its candlelight Christmas Eve services on Thursday, Dec. 24. There will b e two services, one at 7 o'clock and the second one at 11 o'clock.

On Sunday, Dec. 27, the congregation will have a service of carols and hymns at 10:30 a.m.

Church members are reminded the Rev. John Hazel, pastor, will be on vacation from Dec. 25 through Jan. 2. Anyone in need of pastoral assistance during that time is asked to contact Pastor Marjorie Keiter, 645-0356.

Members are also asked to note they can pick up their 2010 church envelopes from the conference room table.

Food distribution

The Summit Hill Food Pantry conducts a monthly distribution of food boxes to the needy in the community. Anyone in need of the assistance, or knowing of individuals or families who do, is asked to contact Rose Marie Armon, (570) 645-3604, or Emma Weaver, 645-7348.

The pantry, a non-denominational entity, is always in need of donations and manual assistance. To donate items or your time, contact the above persons as well.

Lansford

St. Katharine Drexel

The schedule of Christmas masses at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church, Lansford, is as follows:

Christmas Eve masses will be held at 4 and 9 p.m.

The Christmas Day Mass will be held at 9 a.m.