Writers' workshop

The Black Diamond Writers' Network and the Pennsylvania Women's Press Association will combine forces to sponsor a workshop on visioning and setting goals. The workshop will be held Dec. 18, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the Tamaqua Public Library. Guest speaker will be Cathy Colangelo, a life enhancement and career coach based in Weatherly. The public is welcome.For more information, call Kathy at (570) 645-3059.American HoseThe American Hose Company, Mauch Chunk Street, will hold its annual children's Christmas party on Sunday, beginning at 1 p.m. All local children are welcome to attend.Owl Creek ChristmasDue to last Sunday's rain, the Owl Creek Reservoir Commission postponed one of the two days of its free Owl Creek Christmas. The event has been rescheduled for this Sunday, from noon to 4 p.m. and will feature free drawings for toys, bikes, hams and turkeys. There will also be a campfire for roasting marshmallows, pictures with Santa and crafts for the kids to make.All events will be held at the Lower Reservoir.St. Peter's UnionThe Rev. Rodney Wells will officiate at the 9 a.m. worship service Sunday in St. Peter's Union Church, Mantzville. Sunday school classes meet at 10:15 a.m.Also on Sunday, rehearsal for the Sunday school Christmas Program will begin at 10:30 a.m., the church board will meet at 10:45 a.m., Cub Scout Christmas party will be held at 5 p.m., Daisies and Brownies will meet at 6 p.m.Activities for next week include: Thursday, prayer group meets at 5 p.m.Choir rehearsals are held on Thursdays. Next week's schedule will include: Junior Choir at 7 p.m., and Senior Choir at 7:45 p.m.Christmas Eve services will be celebrated at 2 p.m., 7 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.SS. Peter and PaulSS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church will celebrate Christmas with Masses on Christmas Eve, at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. and Christmas Day Masses at 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.Confessions will be heard Thursday, Dec. 23, from 4 to 4:30 p.m. and 7 to 7:30 p.m.Mass will be celebrated at 7 p.m. on New Year's Eve and at 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on New Year's Day.First MethodistThe Rev. James Cavallero will officiate at two worship services this Sunday, 9:30 a.m. at Salem United Methodist and 10:45 a.m. at First United Methodist Church. Members of First Church will meet at 2 p.m., at the church, and then go caroling. An open house at the parsonage will follow.First Church will sponsor a Christmas Festival of Music, featuring Audrey Christ, the church choir and the Heidelberg Bell Choir on Dec. 17, at 7 p.m. For information call (570) 778-3546.First United activities for next week will include: Tuesday, quilters meet at 9 a.m.; Wednesday, senior choir rehearsal at 7:30 p.m.Trinity UCCThe Rev. Dr. David Grant will officiate at the 10 a.m. worship service Sunday in Trinity United Church of Christ. The service will include a Joyful Noise Offering. Nursery care is available during the service. Sunday school classes will meet at 8:45 a.m.Also on Sunday, the Family Christmas party will begin at 11 a.m.Christmas Eve services will be held at 7:30 p.m. and will include Holy Communion, candles and carols.New Life AssemblyThe Rev. Ed Noftz will officiate at the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. services Sunday in New Life Assembly of God Church. The Children's Christmas Program will be presented during the later service.A Christmas Eve Candlelight service will be held at 7 p.m.There will only be one worship service on Dec. 26, at 11 a.m.Primitive MethodistThe Rev. Rodney Hall will officiate at the 10:45 a.m. worship service Sunday in Primitive Methodist Church.The service will include a children's sermon. Nursery care is available. Sunday school classes will be held at 9:30 a.m.First Steps, a support group for mothers of young children, meets the first Tuesday of each month, from 6-8 p.m., at the church.The Christmas Eve Candlelight service will be held at 7 p.m. The service will include Holy Communion.St. John's LutheranThe Rev. Phyllis Wolford will officiate at the 9:15 a.m. worship service this All Saints Sunday in St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church. Special music will be provided by the choirs and Sunday school class. Confirmation classes meet at 10:30 a.m.Activities for next week include: Thursday, Chime Choir meets at 5:30 p.m., Angel Choir rehearses at 6 p.m., Shepherds at 6:30 p.m. and Praise Choir at 7:30 p.m.There will be two candlelight services on Christmas Eve, a family service at 7 p.m. and a festival service at 10 p.m.Zion LutheranThe Rev. Jeffrey Kistler will officiate at the 9:30 a.m. Ministry of Music service this Sunday in Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church. Sunday school classes will be held at 8:30 a.m.Christmas Eve candlelight services will be held at 6 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.Zion's will present "The Unopened Gift" play this Saturday, at 6 p.m. Festivities will also include refreshments and fellowship.The Dec. 26 worship service will be held at 9:30 a.m. and will include Holy Communion.TOPSThe local chapter of Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) meets Wednesdays in the education room at St. Luke's Miners Memorial Hospital, Coaldale. Weigh-ins begin at 5:45 p.m., followed by a short business session and a program.TOPS is a weight loss support group for men and women of all ages. Members learn sensible nutrition, portion control and lifestyle changes that promote lifelong health. Visitors are welcome to attend their first meeting without obligation, free of charge.For more information call Kathy Ruff at (570) 645-3059 or e-mail

katrina@ptd.net.