Tamaqua news

Santa parade

Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive in Tamaqua on Dec. 5, escorted by their four-wheeled "reindeer" and elves. The parade will travel from the Tamaqua Municipal Garage, by the post office, and head east to Berwick Street, beginning at 6 p.m.

The jolly couple will then make their way to Depot Square Park and magically illuminate the thousands of lights decorating the park.

From there, the party will move to the Tamaqua Community Arts Center, 125 Pine St., where Santa and the Mrs. will visit with children of all ages. Photos will be allowed, so bring your camera.

Tax exemptions

The Schuylkill County and Tamaqua Borough per capita and occupation tax exemption forms for 2015 are now available for borough of Tamaqua residents.

The exemption forms can be obtained at the Tamaqua Municipal Building, 320 E. Broad St., Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Forms will also be available at tax collector Pamela McCullion's office, the Tamaqua Area School District Administration building, the Tamaqua ABC High Rise, Majestic House Apartment Complex, the Tamaqua Public Library and the Tamaqua Post Office.

Residents must complete the form each year to qualify for the tax exemption.

Exoneration forms must be submitted by Jan. 30.

Advent breakfast

The Tamaqua High School Jazz Chorale will be the special musical guest at the Fourth Annual Tamaqua Community Advent Breakfast, which will be held Dec. 13.

Sponsored by the Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce, the Tamaqua Area Community Partnership and the Tamaqua Area Faith Fellowship Network, this year's event will be held at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Greenwood and Mauch Chunk streets.

The event will begin at 9 a.m. and will include breakfast by Zion's Culinary Crew, special music, an Advent message provided by the Rev. Virginia Goodwin and a candle lighting ceremony. Luminaria kits will be available.

The event is modeled after a 49-year tradition held in Bethlehem.

For more information, call 570-668-4451, 570-668-1880 or stop by the Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce Office, 114 W. Broad St., Tamaqua.

Zion Lewistown

Pastor Jim Williams will officiate at this Sunday's 10:30 a.m. service in Zion Church in the Lewistown Valley. Sunday school will be held at 9:15 a.m.

St. Peter's Union

Sunday worship services are held at 9 a.m. in St. Peter's Union Church, Mantzville. Sunday school classes will meet at 10:15 a.m.

Also on Sunday, "white gifts" for Bethany will be collected during the service; the Confirmation class will meet at 11:30 a.m.; Daisies, Brownies, Juniors, Cadets and Cub Scouts will meet at 6 p.m.

Activities for next week include: Tuesday, prayer group at 5 p.m., Thursday, church staff meeting at 6 p.m., cherub rehearsal at 6 p.m., junior choir meets at 7 p.m., senior choir practice at 7:30 p.m.

Calvary Evangelical

Bishop Peggy Johnson of the eastern Pennsylvania United Methodist Conference will be the special guest at the 10:25 a.m. worship service this Sunday in Calvary Evangelical Methodist Church in the Lewistown Valley. Sunday school classes are held at 9:15 a.m.

Also on Sunday, the Billy Graham video "Heaven" will be presented at 6:30 p.m., followed by a time of discussion and fellowship.

A time of prayer and praise is held at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays, at 955 Catawissa Road.

St. John UCC

The Rev. Kevin Duffy Guy will officiate at the 9:30 a.m. worship service this Sunday in St. John United Church of Christ. The service will be followed by a time of fellowship. Sunday school will begin at the end of the junior sermon.

Activities for next week include: Tuesday, noon, hoagie sale; Wednesday, choir rehearses at 7 p.m.