Members of Tamaqua's Zion Lutheran Church created holiday memories throughout the month of December, starting with hosting the Tamaqua Community Advent Breakfast on Dec. 10.

Almost every local congregation was represented in the more than 150 attendees, with the Advent address offered by Times News Editor Marta Gouger. She based her address on "A Charlie Brown Christmas" to show that Christmas is all about love, the ultimate sacrifice with God sending his one and only son to die for our sins.The annual breakfast is sponsored by the Tamaqua Area Faith and Fellowship Network, the Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce and the Tamaqua Area Community Partnership.Winter weather tried its best to derail the Polar Express Family Pajama Party, scheduled for Dec. 17, but organizers chugged along, rescheduling it for the next day. Zion's Outreach Teams had to hustle back to the church to get onboard the express after visiting with residents of the St. Luke's Miners Campus Geriatric Center. The visit included a singalong of favorite Christmas carols.The pajama party attracted almost 100 families and included a train display, photos with a Polar Express conductor, a visit to Zion's Nativity, carols and some special time with Santa. Families with infants were treated to a diaper depot and several lucky families were awarded Boyer's gift cards.December activities also included a Christmas cookie and Christmas candy sales.Starting the new year with fellowship and fun, the culinary crew served more than 200 free pork and sauerkraut dinners on New Year's Day.