Trinity happenings

First Saturday worship with Holy Communion at Trinity Lutheran Church, 175 S. Third St, Lehighton, begins at 5 p.m. Sunday worship with Holy Communion begins at 9:30 a.m. The bread wafer and juice are pre-sealed as a safe way to observe the sacrament. Masks are no longer required, however, if you are not fully vaccinated, please continue to wear a mask over the nose and mouth for your own protection and safety. The Rev. Nancy L. Moore presides. Vicar Sarah Moore assists.

Livestream audio is available at tlclehighton.com. Video with audio rebroadcasts are available on www.facebook.com/TrinityLehighton later on Sunday mornings. Church phone: 610-377-4303.

In the event of inclement weather leading to cancellations, please check announcements on WFMZ-TV (Channel 69), BRC TV Channel 13, or Trinity’s Facebook page. Within two hours of worship time, a message will be recorded on the office phone number.

Weekly Sunday Church School classes begin at 10:45 a.m. for students ages 3 through sixth grade. Face masks are strongly encouraged for the protection of those attending. In addition, weekly catechetical classes for students in seventh and eighth grades take place at this time. Students are preparing for the presentation of their Christmas program during the Dec. 12 worship time.

Trinity Youth Group for students grades 7-12 are held each Sunday from 5-7 p.m. Enjoy some food, and participate in seasonal activities with Vicar Sarah Moore, leader of the youth group for 2021-22. RSVP at smoore@uls.edu in advance. Include any food allergies or dietary restrictions in order to prepare an adequate amount and type of food. Please enter and exit at the door on the parking lot side marked “Youth Room.” Volunteer opportunities are available for completing a weekly schedule for adult chaperone.

The Trinity Thrift Store is open for business without reservations. Shopping and drop-off hours are Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Donation drop-offs are accepted during store hours, limited to five bags or boxes. All sales receipts support the food pantry. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trinitythriftstore

The Food Pantry continues to be open Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (and third Tuesday from 5:30-7 p.m.) with an outdoor drive-up setting and precautionary measures in place through 2021. Residents in need who reside in the Lehighton Area School District are eligible to receive prepackaged supplemental food items. Participants must remain in their vehicle at time of pickup. Pantry volunteers will assist pedestrians/those not in vehicles.

Volunteers are welcome to help decorate live trees with lights and Chrismon ornaments Dec. 11 at 9 a.m.

Christmas Eve schedule: 6 p.m. worship with Holy Communion and music provided by the praise band; 9 p.m. candlelight worship with Holy Communion.

St. John’s

St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 826 Mahoning Drive W. Lehighton

Worship service: Dec. 5, 10 a.m. with Holy Communion

Sunday school: Dec. 5, 11 a.m.

Grief Support: Dec. 6 at 6 p.m.

JOY Group: Dec. 14 at the church at 11 a.m. We will have a cookie exchange and play games. Bring a finger food to share with everyone for lunch. Dessert and drinks will be provided.

Rummage sale: We are collecting for our spring rummage sale. Items can be placed in the nursery room. No clothing or electronics. We will take working appliances. If you have any questions, please contact Chery Kistler at 610-377-4662.

Council meeting: Dec. 13 at 6:30 p.m.

Book Club: Dec. 14 at 6:30 p.m. The book for December is “Christmas on the Island” by Jenny Colgan. Please email Deb Scheckler at dsheckler@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Gingerbread Bash: Dec. 18 from 1-3 p.m. This will be a fun and interactive experience designed for the whole family! We’ll build and decorate gingerbread nativities, play games, sing songs, hear the Christmas story from the Bible, and discover that sometimes the best gift comes in the most ordinary box. It’s a truly sweet way for your family to celebrate the birth of Jesus! It’s a super fun hands-on way for our family to celebrate the real reason for the Christmas season! You must register. Call the church office 570-386-9960 and let us know how many will be joining us on this special day.

Christmas Eve Service: Dec. 24, 4 p.m. with Holy Communion.

Contact the Times News at 800-443-0377 or tneditor@tnonline.com.