Blue Christmas

Zion Lutheran Church in Tamaqua is hosting a Blue Christmas service on Dec. 18 at 5:30 p.m.

The holidays can be difficult times for anyone who has suffered loss or hurt. Many congregations across the country now offer a “Blue Christmas” to recognize that reality. A service of comfort, it is a way to recognize the depth of the season and help process those negative feelings that might be held within during the holidays.

“By doing so, we can all celebrate more fully,” says Zion Pastor Cindy White, “knowing we have acknowledged those who are no longer with us or what we might have left behind.”

The service is a blend of readings, music and candle lighting.

Zion is located at the corner of Mauch Chunk and Greenwood streets. All are welcome.

Holiday thrift sale

Blessings, Zion Lutheran’s thrift ministry, is hosting a one-day Christmas holiday sale, Dec. 10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The sale features Christmas decorations, gently used clothing for all ages, toys, books and general household items. Clothing can be purchased by the bag or individually.

Zion Lutheran is located at the corner of Mauch Chunk and Greenwood streets in Tamaqua. Shoppers must wear masks and maintain social distancing. For more information, visit the Zion website www.ziontammaqua.com or Facebook page.

Advent service

Tamaqua’s annual Advent breakfast is again on hold due to COVID concerns, but the Tamaqua Area Faith Fellowship Network and Tamaqua Ministerial Association are offering a hybrid Community Advent Service on Dec. 11 at 10 a.m. St. John XXIII Roman Catholic Church is hosting the event. The service is open to the public and will also be livestreamed on St. John XXIII’s website and Facebook page. The service includes music, message and a candling lighting ceremony. St. John XXIII is located at 307 Pine St., Tamaqua. Masks are optional.

Coat collection

St. John Lutheran Church, 200 E. Mauch Chunk St., will be collecting gently used, clean coats, scarves, gloves and mittens for men, women and children. Let us share with others who need a warm coat this winter. If you know of a needy family that is in need of any of these items, please give information to Linda Heigele, 570-640-5261 or Gloria Bingaman, 570-778-3215. Coats will be collected through Feb. 28.

Luncheon

Pottsville Christian Women’s Club is hosting a Deck the Halls Luncheon on Dec. 14 at 11:30 a.m. at Grace Evangelical Free Church. Speaker is Neil Kulp of Ambler, Pennsylvania. Reservations were required by Dec. 8. Call Gale, 570-527-2224 or Sue, 570-617-9490.

To submit news, contact Susan Eckhart at 570-668-1250 or seckhart@tnonline.com or the Times News at 800-443-0377 or tneditor@tnonline.com.