The Arcanum Wayne Trail Historical Society would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who patronized or helped in any way to make their recent Christmas Bazaar the most successful one to-date. The success of the bazaar depended on each and everyone who contributed or made a purchase. The society wants to announce the lucky winners of the raffles and drawings held at the close of the bazaar. The 50-50 drawing winners were first prize Carolyn Siculan, second place Tom Troutwine, and third prize Jim Troutwine. The in-house raffle winners are Lighted snowman- Cathy Sink, Poinsettia Tree-Rhonda Penrod, Glitter Candle Set-Kim Unger, Goodie Basket-Teri Small, and Primitive Basket-Joe Howard. The door prize winner of the wreath was Felicia Bohse. Watch for the historical society’s next sale event to be held during Arcanum’s Old Fashion Days.
The Arcanum Athletic Boosters have a Spirit Shop in downtown Arcanum across the street from Santa’s House in Arcanum. They are open on Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to help you with your Christmas Shopping. They have t-shirts, polo’s, sweatshirts, sweatpants, pajama bottoms, wind breakers, ladies running shorts, men’s shorts, beanie hats, fitted baseball hats, flat-billed hats, headbands, sock hats, lanyards, insulated Trojan glasses, book bags, duffel bags, stadium seats, and the new school building (Cat’s Meow). Stop by and let them help you finish up your gift list!
Does your family have traditions for Christmas Eve? Our family tradition includes attending church services each year to begin our celebration. Perhaps you will be alone and would like to or have company that would like to attend a local church service but need to know service times. Here is a partial listing of the churches in the Arcanum and Pitsburg area who would welcome you to join them and celebrate the ‘Reason for the Season’:
See Christmas through Mary’s eyes on Dec. 24 at 8 p.m. at Castine Church of the Brethren located at 624 State Route 127, Arcanum with Pastor Greg Hyre. Faith United Methodist Church at 101 E. South Street will be holding two Christmas Eve services; one at 7 p.m. and one at 11 p.m. - both services will include communion and candlelight. Pastor Dave Pettengill and the members of Faith welcome you to join them.
Pastor Chris Harris and the congregation of Abbottsville UMC located at 4135 State Route 49 welcome everyone to join them for a 5:30 p.m. Candlelight Christmas Eve service with light refreshments to follow at 6:30 p.m. Pleasant View Missionary Church, 5231 Gettysburg-Pitsburg Road will hold a Candlelight Christmas Eve service at 11:00 p.m. December 24th.
Pastor John Gilmore and the members of Gordon United Methodist Church invite you to their Candlelight Christmas Eve Service with special music at 9 p.m. Gordon UMC is located at 311 East Street in Gordon.
Arcanum Trinity UMC, at 112 West South Street will hold their Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 10 p.m. with Pastor Doug Baker officiating.
Grace UMC, 750 Arcanum-Ithaca Road, Arcanum will present a Candlelight Christmas Eve service with communion at their 10 p.m. service. Pastor Tim Lehman welcomes you to worship with them on the holiest of all nights.
Pitsburg Church of the Brethren will host Christmas Eve services at 10 p.m. jointly with congregation of Painter Creek COB. Pastor Ken Oren welcomes you to join them at 8376 Pitsburg-Arcanum Road.
Family of God Ministries and Pastor Joe LeMaster welcome the community to join them for their Candlelight Christmas Eve service at 7 p.m. They are located at 310 West South Street, Arcanum.
Calvary Bible Church located at the corner of St. Rt. 571 and Red River-West Grove Road will be having their annual Candlelight Christmas Eve service on Dec. 24 at 9 p.m. Bring a friend and share the blessings of the Birth of Christ.
If your preferred denomination is not listed above please feel free to contact the local parish via telephone or enlist the help of a friend or acquaintance that attends that particular congregation. My intent was to print all but I was unable to get complete information from all the parishes in our area.
“Christmas is not as much about opening our presents as opening our hearts.” ~ Janice Maeditere
“I wish we could put up some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month.” ~ Harlan Miller
Vickie Rhodehamel is a volunteer citizen columnist, who serves Daily Advocate readers weekly with her Arcanum community column. She can be reached by calling 937-692-6188, by e-mail at krhodehamel@woh.rr.com. Viewpoints expressed in these opinion pieces are the work of the author. The Daily Advocate does not endorse these viewpoints or the independent activities of the author.