Tamaqua news

Angel tree

The Tamaqua Salvation Army Angel Tree program is designed to make the Christmas season brighter for children in need. Angel Trees can be found at numerous businesses as well as the Salvation Army Community Center, located at 105 W. Broad St.

The trees are hung with tags containing the name, age, gender, clothing size and special Christmas needs/wishes of an individual child. Participants select a tag, then purchase new items based on the tag information. The unwrapped items, along with the tag, should be returned to the Salvation Army no later than Dec. 12. Cash donations are also being accepted.

For more information, or tree locations, call (570) 668-0410.

St. Peter's Union

The Rev. Cheryl Moore will officiate at the 9 a.m. worship service Sunday in St. Peter's Union Church, Mantzville. The service will include the celebration of Holy Communion. Sunday school classes will meet at 10:15 a.m.

Also on Sunday, the youth group will meet immediately following the service, Confirmation class will meet at 11:30 a.m., Women's Association of St. Peter's Christmas party at noon, and Daisies, Brownies and Cub Scouts meet at 6 p.m.

Activities for next week will include: Thursday, prayer group meets at 5 p.m., music and worship committee meets at 6 p.m.

The choirs rehearse on Thursdays. Next week's schedule will include Junior Choir at 7 p.m., Senior Choir at 7:30 p.m.

SS. Peter and Paul

First Friday observances will be held this week in SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. Communion calls will be made on Thursday for residents of Hometown and Coaldale. All others will begin Friday at 9 a.m. First Friday confessions will be heard at 7:30 a.m., followed by Mass and devotions at 8 a.m.

Dec. 4 will be Fatima Saturday. A recitation of the Rosary and devotions will be held prior to the 8 a.m. Mass.

The parish Holy Rosary Society will attend the 8 a.m. Mass on Sunday and receive Holy Communion as a group. The Mass will be preceded by a recitation of the rosary.

St. John Lutheran

The Rev. Phyllis Wolford will officiate at the 9:15 a.m. worship service this Sunday in St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church. Sunday school and Confirmation classes will meet at 10:30 a.m.

Also on Sunday, the church will be decorated for the Christmas season following the worship service. Little Lytes will be treated to hot dogs and macaroni and cheese, at 11:30 a.m., as well as a variety of activities. Anyone interested in Christmas caroling should be at the church no later than 2:30 p.m.

Activities for next week include: Monday, the worship and music committee will meet at 6:30 p.m.; Wednesday, mid-week Lenten service, noon, at St. John United Church of Christ; Thursday, Chime rehearsal at 5:30 p.m., Angel Choir rehearsal at 6 p.m., Shepherd Choir meets at 6:30 p.m., Chancel/Adult Choir rehearses at 6:30 p.m.

New Life Assembly

The New Life Assembly of God Church, 407 Schuylkill Ave., will present its "First Gift 2011" program on Dec. 9. There will be two sessions, at 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Doors open 30 minutes prior to each session.

The beachy keen Christmas celebration is open to children between the ages of 4 and 11 and will include puppets, music, door prizes, games and more. The first 100 children at each presentation will receive their first Christmas gift of 2011.

All children must be accompanied by an adult. Admission is free.

For more information, call (570) 668-4059 or email admin@newlifeag.us.