Early closing

Today the Western Pocono Community Library will be closing at 5 p.m. instead of the regular 8 p.m. closing to allow the staff to begin their preparations for the following day.On Thursday the library will be closed in observance of Thanksgiving.On Friday the library will be open regular business hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Turkey dinnerEffort United Methodist Church is hosting its 11th Annual Community Thanksgiving Feast on Thanksgiving Day.Invitations are extended to those home alone this Thanksgiving, those who are not quite able to provide a full feast for their loved ones, to come and join together at the church for a time of thanks, fellowship and, of course, lots of food.Fellowship Hour with light hors d'oeuvres will be served at 2 p.m., followed by opening prayer, traditional Thanksgiving feast, dessert and closing devotions. A kid's corner is set up with games and activities and there is also a TV to watch the parade or the game of the day.Seating is available for 100 people by reservations, which are recommended but not necessary. To make reservations, call the church office at 570-629-1890.Schedule changeOur Lady Queen of Peace will have the following schedule changes due to the Thanksgiving holiday: Thursday, Mass will be offered at 9 a.m. There will be no 8 a.m. or 12:10 p.m. Mass. The church office will be closed.Friday, Mass will be offered at 12:10 p.m. There will be no 8 a.m. Mass or Eucharistic Adoration. The church office will be closed.There will be no 8 a.m. Mass on Saturday due to Joe Rodger's ordination in Scranton. There are no religious education classes Saturday, Sunday and Monday.Meetings canceledChestnuthill Township has canceled its CJERP Regional comprehensive plan meeting, as it would fall on Thanksgiving, and also the regularly scheduled supervisors meeting on Tuesday.Monroe SeniorsThe center for Monroe Seniors meeting at Zion Lutheran in Brodheadsville will be closed Friday.Gospel concertSt. Matthew's UCC in Kunkletown will host a fundraiser Gospel concert at 7 p.m. Friday. It features Anita Staples from Nashville and Randy Cramer and friends.Food pantry openEffort UMC's Supplemental Food Resource Center will be open for a regular distribution Saturday.The center helps feed families going through emergency or other short-term situations who are not eligible for local, county or state programs and is limited to a 12-week life time duration per family. A valid driver's license or state ID with address proving residency in the West End is required.Getting readyMcMichaels UMC on White Church Road begins its special preparations for the holiday season by placing its Advent Christmas tree Saturday at 2 p.m. Decorations and outdoor lights are to be added Sunday, the first Sunday of Advent. The decorations will be placed during the worship service. A covered dish will follow the service.Zion Lutheran, Brodheadsville, will put up the trees for Advent at 1:30 p.m. Saturday.Missionary speaksSalem United Church of Christ in Gilbert will be hosting a light lunch at 5 p.m. Saturday. That will be followed by a presentation by Michele Ubbens about her recent missionary trip to Guyana, South America.Healing servicesSalem-St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Kresgeville, will hold healing services at 8:15 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday, and Sunday school for all ages and Confirmation will be held at 9 a.m. At 2 p.m., the church will hold a Communion service at the Getz Home in Jonas.Special programA Spirit-filled Evening for Women: Advent by Candlelight will be presented from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Sunday in McCawley Hall at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Gilbert.Anyone who is new to the parish and wants to join the group as a guest should call Martha at 570-992-2567. There is no charge for the event, but a donation of a new or nearly new blanket for PVEN would be appreciated. Reservations are needed.Tree lightingThe 18th annual Polk Township Veterans Christmas Lighting Event will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday at the Faith Garden in front of Salem-Saint Paul Lutheran Church in Kresgeville, which is facing the Veterans Memorial. Park in the church parking lot. The Garden and the Memorial will be lit as participants hear a short Christmas message, light candles and sing songs. The Girl Scouts and Salem Saint Paul's choir will be participating. Santa will arrive on the firetruck. There will be goody bags for the children and refreshments for all.Blood drivesChestnuthill Park, Route 715 Brodheadsville, will be the site for an American Red Cross blood drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday.Miller-Keystone blood drives are from noon to 6 p.m. every Wednesday at the Western Pocono Community Library in Brodheadsville. For an appointment call 800-223-6667.New classThe next stained glass class has been scheduled for the Eldred Township Community Center in Kunkletown. The class is five consecutive weeks on Tuesday beginning this coming week and ending Jan. 5. Classes will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m. There is a fee.For more information or to join the class contact E. Ann Velopolcek, administrative assistant, Eldred Township, at 610-381-4252 ext. 2.Contact Adele Argot at 717-933-4028 or

arargot3@verizon.net. Contact the Times News at 800-443-0377 or

tneditor@tnonline.com.