Tamaqua news for Nov. 30, 2017

Angel tree tags

There’s still time to be an “angel” for a less fortunate child in the area.

Angel Tree tags are available at the Tamaqua Salvation Army, 105 W. Broad St.

Each tag contains a child’s first name, age, sizes, clothing needs, favorite color and the toys they hope “Santa” will bring. Gifts must be new, with tags (prices may be blacked out) and unwrapped. Place all items in a gift bag and attach the angel tree tag.

Gift cards are not recommended as they are too impersonal.

For more information, contact coordinators Dina Depos or Melissa Latham at 570-668-0410, weekdays between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Deadline to return gifts is Monday, Dec. 11.

Night fever

St. John XXII Parish will open SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church on Pine Street for evening visitation on Dec. 1. Billed as “Night Fever” the church will be open from 5 to 9 p.m.

Visitors will have the opportunity to light a candle, reflect in peace, receive a word of Scripture, listen to music, participate in confession, offer personal prayer intentions and have any questions answered by a priest.

The public is welcome.

Spirit of Christmas

Tamaqua’s 2017 Spirit of Christmas Festival is being held through Dec. 3. The annual event is sponsored by the Tamaqua Area Community Partnership.

Multiple events are planned from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, including expanded shopping opportunities, an artisan fair, a cookie contest, open house and book signing at the Tamaqua Historical Museum, magic show and live entertainment.

The Santa parade will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, starting at the Tamaqua Borough Garage on East Broad Street and traveling to Depot Square Park. Santa and Mrs. Claus will then be available to meet with children at the Tamaqua Community Art Center, 125 Pine St.

Breakfast with Santa will be held from 8 to 10 a.m. on Saturday. The day’s activities will also include a kids’ crafts event at the art center from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and an open house at Stonehedge Gardens in South Tamaqua from noon to 4 p.m.

The Tamaqua Community Theatre will present three performances of “the Nutcracker,” at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and a matinee at 3 p.m. on Sunday. All shows will be at “The Stitch” in the art center.

St. Peter’s Union

The Rev. Kenneth Buckwalter will officiate at the 9 a.m. worship service this Sunday at St. Peter’s Union Church in Mantzville. The service will include Holy Communion. Sunday school classes meet at 10:15 a.m.

Also on Sunday, the Confirmation class meets at 11:15 a.m., the women’s Christmas party will be held at noon, Cub and Girl Scouts will meet at 6 p.m.

Next week’s activities include: Tuesday, prayer group meets at 5 p.m., worship and music committee meets at 6 p.m.; Wednesday, cherub choir meets at 6:30 p.m., junior choir rehearses at 7 p.m., senior choir practice is at 7:30 p.m.

St. John Lutheran

The Rev. Phyllis Wolford will officiate at this Sunday’s 9:15 a.m. worship service in St. John’s Lutheran Church. The service will include Holy Communion.

Also on Sunday, Confirmation and Sunday school classes will meet after the service to make Advent wreaths.

Bell Choir rehearsal will be held at 8 a.m. Dec. 10.

Zion Lewistown

Pastor Jim Williams will officiate at the 10:30 a.m. service this Sunday in Zion Church, Lewistown Valley. The service will include Holy Communion.

Sunday school will be held at 9:15 a.m. Donations of coats, gloves and socks will be accepted by the Sunday school class.

Contact Kathy Kunkel at 570-668-1250 or kkunkel@tnonline.com. Contact the Times News at 800-443-0377 or tneditor@tnonline.com.