Snow rules

Tamaqua residents are reminded of borough rules concerning snow removal.Property owners are required to maintain a clear path, at least 3 feet wide, on sidewalks. Snow and ice must be removed from these pathways within 24 hours of the end of a snowstorm.Snow, ice and other materials may not be thrown into the streets. Fines of $25 and up may be imposed on anyone caught throwing snow or ice into the street, or who fails to maintain a snow-free pathway.People who plow snow from in front of homes and businesses must remove any piles of snow they create. Anyone piling snow in the street or parking areas could be cited.Residents are asked to refrain from piling snow near fire hydrants or on top of storm drains and are encouraged to clear snow from these areas.Further information is available by calling 570-668-3444 or 570-668-0300.St. John LutheranThe Rev. Phyllis Wolford will officiate at the 9:15 a.m. worship service Sunday in St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church. Sunday school class will meet at 10:30 a.m.The Confirmation class meets at 10:30 a.m. Sunday.Activities for next week: Wednesday, Christmas Eve services at 4 and 7 p.m.St. John UCCThe Rev. Kevin Duffy Guy will officiate at the 9:30 a.m. worship service Sunday in St. John United Church of Christ. Sunday school begins at the end of the junior sermon. The service will be followed by a time of fellowship. The annual budget meeting will be held following the time of fellowship.Activities for next week: Wednesday, Christmas Eve services at 4 and 7:30 p.m.St John XXIIIThe consolidation of SS. Peter and Paul and St. Jerome Catholic Churches in Tamaqua has led to a few changes in the Mass schedules at both churches, as well as a name change for St. Jerome's.Now known as the Parish of St. John XXIII, Masses continue to be held at both churches.At St. John XXIII (former St. Jerome's), weekend Masses are held at 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays and at 11 a.m. on Sundays. Masses at SS. Peter and Paul are held at 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. on Sundays.In preparation for Christmas, St. John XXIII church will be decorated following Mass this Sunday. Decorating at SS. Peter and Paul will be done on Monday, beginning at 6 p.m. Volunteers are needed. Anyone able to donate time should contact Father Frank at 570-225-7410.For Christmas, joint Christmas Eve Masses will be celebrated at 4:30 and 7 p.m. on Wednesday in the Tamaqua Area School District Auditorium. The children's Nativity will be at 4:10 p.m. and the Christmas prelude will begin at 6:40 p.m.Christmas Day Masses will be celebrated at 8 a.m. in SS. Peter and Paul's Church and at 10 a.m. at St. John XXIII Church.Zion LutheranThe Rev. Virginia Goodwin will officiate at the 9 a.m. ministry of music worship service Sunday in Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church.Also on Sunday, the Christian education committee and family Advent journey will be at 10:15 a.m.Zion's also offers a Saturday worship service. The contemporary style service is held at 5:30 p.m. in the church social hall.Christmas Eve candlelight and communion services will be celebrated at 6 and 9 p.m.