Christmas Day is exactly one week away and several organizations have hosted holiday events but there are more to come this week in the area.
Today, Shawnee Rescue Mission wraps up its toy drive for area families in need. The non-profit organization will distribute the toys to those already on its list from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 204 N. Louisa.
SRM also will have Christmas music, a reading of the Biblical Christmas story, snacks and drinks and special guest Santa Claus for members of the community who want to enjoy the festivities or who would like to tour the new building.
Glenn Blankenship, SRM co-founder, said the organization received numerous donations of unwrapped toys for those who registered for the “several hundred” orders they received. And due to an “incredible outpouring of support from the community,” SRM will continue to take telephone requests for assistance to those who fell through the gaps and will distribute toys to as many additional children of families in need as they can, he said.
“The community has blessed us so much and we want to share that blessing with as many as we can this Christmas season,” he said.
The organization is continuing to accept non-perishable food items to restock its pantry and donations of clothing, heaters, blankets, sleeping bags or monetary gifts. For more information, call 878-8700.
Another organization wrapping up its toy drive and distributing needed items to individuals and families from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today is Johnson Church of God, 46209 Garrett’s Lake Road. The church needs additional wrapping paper, tape, clothing, toys and Christmas decor.
For more information regarding donations or how to receive donated items from Johnson Church of God, call Amber Davis at 585-9809 or 275-3175.
Also happening this evening is the last night of Redeemer Lutheran Church’s live nativity display. The display is available for viewing from 6 p.m to 8 p.m. at the church, 39307 W. MacArthur.
Church members said the event is “simply the church’s desire to give back to the community a gift with roots deeply grounded in Jesus Christ.” The live display began Thursday and includes free gloves for children, a nightly drawing for prizes and free refreshments and children’s crafts inside.
Debbie Campbell of Hope 2 Offer — an organization that assists the homeless and others in need in the Shawnee community — said that organization will sponsor a Christmas dinner at 2 p.m. Sunday at the old Gaskill Funeral Home building, 119 N. Union. Santa Claus will attend the dinner, as well.
“There will be stockings and food and although it’s mostly for homeless and needy, anyone is welcome,” Campbell said.
Other events include those for specific groups, such as the Pottawatomie County Retired Educators, which will hold its Christmas program at 11 a.m., Dec. 20, and those for the general public.
New Beginnings Church, 1203 E. 42nd Street, will present “A Love to Save the World” Christmas music program during the early Sunday service, which begins at 11:45 a.m.
Faith Christian Outreach will hold the church’s “biggest celebration event of the year,” which is called the “Manger Gathering,” from 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sunday at the church, 13116 U.S. 177. Another performance will be held Dec. 21 at Shawnee High School. For additional details regarding Faith Christian Outreach’s services, call 275-2988.
Also on Dec. 21, Jones Theatre will hold its 89th annual Free Christmas Show at the Hornbeck Theatre, located in downtown Shawnee. “Shrek Forever After,” which is rated PG, will be the showing for that event which begins at 10 a.m.
Dec. 22, Northridge Church of Christ, 1001 E. MacArthur, will host “A Family Christmas,” which is open to the public. That event includes cookies, ornament decorating and a candy cane reindeer craft for children, as well as the singing of carols and sharing of holiday stories.
Door prizes will be given and a devotional period, including scripture, a video and Christmas message, will be held. For more information, call 275-4180.
On Christmas Eve, First Christian Church of Shawnee, 1625 N. Broadway, will hold a Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion service at 6 p.m. The service includes a message focused on the Christmas story and “the light coming into the world in the birth of Jesus,” with a light being passed from candle to candle of those in attendance at the conclusion of the service.
“The church practices open communion and all who believe in Christ are invited to share in the sacrament,” church members said.
For more information, call 275-1519.
On Christmas Day Liberty Baptist Church will “honor Jesus” with a 30th annual Christmas Day meal from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Bethlehem Cafeteria, 711 E. Federal. The recommended cost for the dinner, which includes turkey, ham, dressing, “fixings,” dessert and roll, is $5 for ages 12 to 60; $4 for 61 and older; $3 for ages 5 through 11, but anyone unable to afford the meal “will not be turned away,” church members said.
For more information on that event, call 273-3022.
Another Christmas Day event will be held at First Christian Church of Shawnee.
That event will include the Chancel Choir, who will present a Christmas program at 10:50 a.m. The program will include music and special readings.
The church holds its first Sunday service at 8:30 a.m. but the Christmas program will be during the second service.
Other Christmas activities could include a drive for individuals, couples or families around Shawnee to see the many Christmas lights and other displays citizens have at their homes.
Because most area schools have let out for the winter break, drivers are reminded to be cautious and aware of children playing throughout residential areas during the next couple weeks.
No comments:
Post a Comment