Holiday concert

The Tamaqua Senior High School Music Department will present its annual holiday music program on Thursday in the Tamaqua Area Auditorium. The concert will feature the student Concert Choir, Jazz Chorale, senior high Wind Ensemble and the Raider Concert Band and will conclude with a sing-along.Accompanists for the choir are Sierra Petrucci, Faith Roberts and Patrick McMullen.The band and wind ensemble are under the direction of Mark Beltz, while the concert choir and jazz chorale are under the direction of John Buglio.Doors will open at 6:45 p.m.Spirit of ChristmasThe annual Tamaqua Spirit of Christmas Festival is scheduled for this weekend and will include a variety of festivities, music, food, contests, crafts and theatrical performances.And let's not forget the arrival of that "Jolly Gent" from the North Pole and Mrs. Claus. The merry couple will arrive in town at 6 p.m. on Friday and make their way to Depot Square Park, where they will flip the switch to illuminate the annual Christmas light show.After the ceremony, festivities will move to the Tamaqua Art Center, 125 Pine St., where children will be able to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.Saturday's events starts with breakfast with Santa at the Tamaqua Salvation Army, 105 W. Broad St. Other food-related activities will include a cookie judging contest at 3 p.m. at the Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce Office, 114 W. Broad St.A storytelling time with Mrs. Claus will begin at 1 p.m. Sunday at the art center. Following Mrs. Claus will be a Christmas concert, performed by Susan Featro, at 2:30 p.m., at the art center.Activities for all three days will include a tree trimming festival at the art center; the presentation of "A Christmas Carol," the musical at the Strawberry Playhouse in Tuscarora; and the production of "A Winnie the Pooh Christmas Tail" at the art center.The festival will end with the lighting of the community Christmas Tree at 6 p.m. in Depot Square Park at the Five Points Intersection.A few scheduled events have been canceled, including the Victorian tea, the craft show and Sunday musical entertainment at the Salvation Army.St. John UCCThe 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 include communion and be followed by a time of fellowship. Sunday school will begin at the end of the junior sermon.Activities for next week include: Monday, consistory meeting at 7 p.m.; Tuesday, bell choir rehearsal at 7:30 p.m.; Wednesday, choir rehearsal at 7 p.m.The Christmas Cantata "Bethlehem Morning" will be presented during the 9:30 a.m. service on Dec. 14.St. John LutheranThe Rev. Phyllis Wolford will officiate at the 9:15 a.m. worship service this Sunday in St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church. The service will include Holy Communion. Sunday school class will meet at 10:30 a.m.Also on Sunday, the Confirmation class will met at 10:30 a.m. and the Allegro bell choir will rehearse at noon.Activities for next week will include: Monday, church council will meet at 7 p.m.; Thursday, constitution meeting at 4 p.m., angel choir meets at 6 p.m. and the chancel choir will rehearse at 6:30 p.m.; Saturday, shepherd choir practice is at 10 a.m.