Food Distribution

HOWARD — A food distribution will be held on Friday, Dec. 19 at Howard United Methodist Church in Howard beginning at 5 p.m.

Food is given to anyone who is in need and there is no income requirement. The church is located at 144 W. Main St., Howard.

Christmas Eve Service

at Howard UM

HOWARD — Christmas Eve Services will be held at Howard United Methodist Church at 6 p.m. All are invited to share this special evening. The church is located at 144 W. Main St., Howard.

Covenant Choir concert

is Sunday

LOCK HAVEN — Music connects us to the spirit of the season, and tomorrow you can feel that joy during the Covenant United Methodist Church Choir’s annual Christmas concert.

The concert is set for 3:00 p.m. in the church sanctuary at 44 W. Main St., Lock Haven. An elevator is available.

Kay E. Knarr-Fisher directs the choir, and will play piano during the concert. Church pianist/organist Conrad D. Schlesinger will participate and also present a viola solo.

Other notable musicians include the Men’s Choir, and Carol Yorks and Martha Rowedder, vocalists and ukulele. Ms. Rowedder will also play the flute.

Additional choir members are Sarah Frear, Dale Haines, Kathy Innes, Donna Johnston, Jeff Johnston, Renee Miller, Ron Miller, Mary Raab, Sandy Randall, Dr. Mark Rowedder and Dennis Shawley.

Selections include familiar carols and more: “Carols, Rejoice”, “Celtic Advent Carol”, “The Shepherd’s Spiritual”, “Another Christmas Medley”, “Away in a Manger (Forever Amen)”, “Silent Night”, “Long, Long Time Ago”, “Umoja Tunaimba (United We Sing)”, “Jingle Bells Festivo” and “A Christmas Festival”.

Refreshments will follow in the fellowship hall. Everyone is cordially invited.

Christmas Concert

MACKEYVILLE — The Trinity Praise Team will be having a Christmas Concert on Sunday, Dec. 14, at Mackeyville United Methodist Church at 6 p.m. It is a free program, open to the public. Please plan to attend!

Celebration of Christmas Music

LOCK HAVEN — St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 112 E. Main St., Lock Haven, will present a Celebration of Christmas Music on Sunday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m.

Howard UMC to host Blue Christmas service

HOWARD — On Sunday, Dec. 14, at 7 p.m., the Howard United Methodist Church will be offering a “Blue Christmas” service The service offers a communal setting for people to acknowledge their laments, find solace and experience God’s comforting presence during the holiday season. Please share with your neighbors and anyone that might need uplifted during the Christmas season.

News from the Pathway pews

MCELHATTAN — Pathway to Christ Church has Bible Study every Tuesday night from 6:30-7:30 p.m., in the social hall at Pathway to Christ Church, 502 McElhattan Drive, McElhattan. Everyone is welcome to join us to study the word and share good fellowship together.

On Dec. 14, the church is planning to offer Milk and Cookies with Santa, from noon to 1 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Parents can bring their cameras to take photos! Each child will receive a free gift bag while supplies last.

The congregation has been busy with their monthly outreach programs. Food was being collected for families in need so they will have a nice Thanksgiving meal. Now the church is going to be collecting toys for families in the area who have a need at Christmastime.

Pathway to Christ Church invites you to be a volunteer with their congregation members at the Food Bank in Williamsport! Carpooling is available from the church parking lot, leaving at 4:30 p.m. We help at the food bank on the third Thursday of each month, so the next chance for you to volunteer with us will be on Dec. 18. If you’re interested in learning more, just send an email to bpeters388@comcast.net. Some months they are short staffed at the food bank so if you’d like to volunteer, please reach out to BJ Peters and she and other church members will be glad to have you come along!

Candlewalk Service

MARSH CREEK — Marsh Creek BIC Church is having a Christmas Candlewalk Service on Sunday, Dec. 14, at 6 p.m., at the church. The public is invited to attend.

The church would love to have all past candlewalkers participate in the special service again this year. There will be one practice at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11, for those participating in the candlewalk this year. For info about the Candlewalk Service call Kathy at 814-880-8744.

Also, Pastor Dan Longmore would like to extend an invitation for folks to attend the Children’s Christmas program at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 21.

Prayer Shawl Ministry

MILL HALL — Currently the Prayer Shawl Ministry needleworkers are making afghans and lap robes and also making hats for Robb Elementary children that will be distributed later in December. The PSM also plans to make hats for a classroom in the Penns Valley area that will be delivered in January.

If you crochet or knit and would like to become involved with the PSM, we’d love to have you!

Donations of new or used yarn are always accepted and can be brought to the church during the PSM meetings or by making arrangements with Pastor Susan.

Ollie’s in Mill Hall has a nice selection of variegated yarns that the PSM could really use. The yarn is of the Red Heart brand and is marked as 4-ply on the label.

For more info on the Prayer Shawl Ministry, call the church office at 570-726-4112 and leave a message if Pastor Susan isn’t there to take your call.

Live Nativity

WINGATE — Wingate Faith and Fleming Free Methodist are once again proud to present a Live Nativity, “The Reason for the Season,” on Friday, Dec. 19, Saturday, Dec. 20, and Sunday, Dec. 21. Show times each evening are at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

This Live Nativity is a 20-minute outdoor moving live presentation with narration and music of the Nativity story, featuring live animals and characters. Join us and celebrate The Reason for the Season! Invite your friends and neighbors. This is a free program for the community that is held at the Eagle Towing & Recovery, 1049 S. Eagle Valley Road, Bellefonte. Eagle Towing is located along PA 150/220 S., just past the Bald Eagle Area High School.

Bleacher seating is available, or bring your own lawn chair. Grounds are handicap and wheelchair accessible. Dress warm and bring a blanket as evening temperatures get chilly this time of year.

For more info call Janette at 814-883-0893.

Blood Drives

Local churches will be hosting blood drives over the next several weeks. Blood donors of all types are invited to participate. To find a blood drive being held near you visit the American Red Cross website.

Blood drives will be held on the following dates:

On Dec. 16, from 12:30-6 p.m., at Wingate Faith Church, Runville Road, Bellefonte.

On Dec. 19, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Zion Community Church, Bellefonte.

Also on Dec. 19, from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Flemington First Church of Christ, Mill Hall.

Blue Christmas Service

Special service welcomes anyone who feels grief or desires quiet and peace this time of year

St. Mark Lutheran Church, 850 Snydertown Road, Howard, will hold its annual Blue Christmas worship service at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20.

The service is for anyone who feels grief, weariness, fatigue or just wants some quiet and peace during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. All are welcome to come.

There are so many reasons this time of year can feel heavier. Sometimes, the brightness of the season only deepens the ache. St. Mark’s Blue Christmas Service is a gentle, low-key time of worship, a quiet space held within the peace of the Christmas story and the deep hope it still offers.

For more information about the service or about St. Mark, email stmarklutheran@gmail.com or call 814-383-4882. You also can visit stmarksnydertown.wixsite.com/snydertown and follow St. Mark on Facebook and Instagram @StMarkSnydertown.

Christmas Eve Service

MARSH CREEK — Summit Hill Wesleyan Church will have a Candlelight Christmas Eve service at 6 p.m. Come join with Pastor Stan and others as we celebrate Christ’s birth. Let your Light Shine for Jesus!

Looking ahead to the New Year, the church will have a Family Movie Night on Jan. 9 at 7 p.m.

The church is located at 1725 Summit Hill Road, rural Howard. Call Pastor Stan at 814-937-1092 for more info or directions.

Bible Study

LOCK HAVEN — God’s Eternal Life Church, 30 Woodward Ave., Lock Haven, is holding weekly Bible studies each Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. The topic will be Thru the Bible Word for Word. Please feel free to join. Church services are held on Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. All are welcome. Pastor Dean Williams can be reached at 570-748-3700.

Local Worship Services

Albright United Methodist Church, Loganton, invites everyone to worship with them on Sunday at 10:30 a.m.

Bald Eagle United Presbyterian Church, Main St., Mill Hall — Sunday morning worship service at 10:30 a.m. An invitation is extended to come early and enjoy a cup of fresh brewed coffee and a sweet treat. For spiritual guidance, call Pastor Susan Champion at 570-726-4112.

Blanchard Church of Christ’s services are Sunday morning at 8:30 and 11 a.m. with Sunday School from 10-10:45 a.m.

Big Woods Bible Church, 241 S. Hanna St., Lock Haven, hosts its weekly Sunday worship services at 9 a.m. Sunday School begins at 10:45 a.m.

Charlton Chapel, 46 Church Hill Road, Lock Haven, an Independent Bible Church, invites you to worship service each Sunday at 9 a.m.

Clintondale United Methodist Church, 103 Fishing Creek Road, Clintondale, invites you to worship with them Sunday at 9 a.m. followed by Sunday School at 10:30 a.m.

Covenant United Methodist Church, 44-46 W. Main St., Lock Haven, and Pastor Justin Frear invite you to the Sunday worship service at 8:45 a.m. Sunday School for all ages is at 10 a.m.

Dunnstown United Methodist Church, 59 Church St., invites the public to worship with its members each week. Sunday School/Bible Study begins at 8:45 a.m., and the morning worship service begins at 10 a.m.

Emmanuel United Church of Christ in Jacksonville invites you to join their Sunday morning services at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Cindy Killinger.

Faith Chapel Church, 551 Hunter Run Road, Howard, invites everyone to their Sunday morning services beginning at 9 a.m.

First Church of Christ, 330 N. Vesper St., Lock Haven, invites everyone to Sunday morning services at 9 a.m.

Garman Lutheran Church, 1779 Sulphur Run Road, Jersey Shore, regular services at 8:45 a.m. every Sunday.

Grace Lutheran Church, 1601 Walnut St., Jersey Shore, holds services at 10:30 a.m. each Sunday.

Great Island Presbyterian Church, 12 W. Water St., Lock Haven, invites you to worship with them at 10 a.m. each Sunday. If interested in joining our music program, which includes Vocal Choir, Bell Choir, and Praise Band, contact the church at 748-2810.

Haneyville Bible Church, 16655 Coudersport Pike, Lock Haven, holds Sunday School at 10 a.m. from spring through fall and regular services begin at 11 a.m. For info call 570-660-3389.

Hillview Wesleyan Church, 1200 W. 4th St., Lock Haven, invites you to their services: Sunday School at 9:15 a.m.; Church Service at 10:30 a.m. A Children’s Church service is also held at 10:30 a.m.

Marsh Creek Brethren in Christ Church holds Sunday morning services beginning at 9 a.m. and Sunday evening services at 6:30 p.m.

Mackeyville United Methodist Church invites you to worship with them each Sunday at 10:30 a.m.

Pathway to Christ Church, 502 McElhattan Drive, McElhattan, invites the community to Sunday morning services at 10 a.m.

Pathway to Christ Church also has Bible Study every Tuesday night at 6:30 p.m., in the social hall at the church. Everyone is welcome to join us to study the word and share good fellowship together.

People’s United Methodist Church of Farrandsville invites you to join their services at 8:30 a.m.

People’s United Methodist Church of Caldwell, 11376 Coudersport Pike, Lock Haven, invites you to join our weekly Sunday services at 8:30 a.m.

St. Luke’s United Church of Christ, 1175 W. Fourth St., Flemington, holds worship service at 10:45 a.m. each Sunday, with Pastor Dave Miller officiating.

St. Mark Lutheran Church in Snydertown holds Sunday School at 9:30 a.m., followed by worship service at 10:30 a.m. each Sunday morning. All are welcome!

Swissdale United Methodist Church, 974 E. Croak Hollow Road, Lock Haven, invites the public to worship with its members. Sunday School begins at 10 a.m, and morning worship begins at 11:05 a.m.

Summit Hill Wesleyan Church has Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. followed by worship at 10:30 a.m. The church is located at 1725 Summit Hill Road, Howard. Call 814-937-1092 for info.

Trinity United Methodist Church in Greenburr, Loganton, welcomes you to their Sunday morning services at 9 a.m.

Walnut Street Church of Christ, 714 W. Walnut St., Lock Haven, welcomes everyone to worship services on Sundays from 9:30-10:45 a.m.

Woolrich Community United Methodist Church, 1080 Park Ave., Woolrich, invites you to Sunday worship at 10 a.m.