Even though the weather is trying to trick us to believe that it is still autumn, the Christmas season is fast approaching. Children are attempting to be on their best behavior and people are planning, shopping and hoping as always, to make this the best Christmas ever. Whatever your beliefs, when the gifts are opened and the wrapping paper is tossed aside, remember that this is the day to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the greatest Gift we will ever receive.

Church Services

Church services, dinners and celebrations abound in YTR always, but especially during this holiday season.

The Rush Run Community Chapel will honor mothers and fathers of the congregation who are bringing their children up in the church, teaching them a spirit of faith and fellowship. This service will be held on Sunday, Dec. 4 at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow.

Their Christmas program will be held on Dec. 18 during the 11 a.m. service and the Candlelight Service will be held on Christmas Eve at 6 p.m.

The Rayland Methodist Church will hold it Congregational Dinner on Dec. 11 at noon.

Their Candlelight Service will be held on Christmas Eve at 6:30 pm.

St. Joseph’s/ St.Lucy’s Catholic Church will hold an Advent Penance Service at 6:30 at St. Joseph’s on Dec. 13.

At 7:30, there will be the annual Lighting of the Crib out doors at the church. This celebration has been held every year for the past 70 years. The men of the parish erect this beautiful scene.

This year the Holy Name Society spearheaded a project to purchase a new outdoor Nativity set. The HNS and the parishioners are to be commended for there generosity to make this project a success. The community is invited to attend this event.

Christmas Eve Mass will be held at St. Joseph’s at 5 p.m.

Mass on Christmas Day will be held at St. Lucy’s at 10 a.m.

The Yorkville Methodist Church will hold it Congregational Dinner on Dec. 18 at 6 p.m. and its Candlelight Service will be held on Christmas Eve at 8 p.m.

The Glen Robbins Presbyterian Church will conduct its Candlelight Service on Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. Refreshments will be served afterwards and the public is invited.

The Tiltonsville Methodist Church will hold its Candlelight Service on Christmas Eve at 7 p.m.

The Meadowbrook Church of God will conduct its Candlelight service at 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

Lions CluB

Activities

The Lions Club is selling personalized Christmas bulbs for $1 each. They are partnering with Buckeye Local Middle/High School on this project. The bulbs may be purchased at the school. What better way to honor or remember a loved one. These ornaments would be a beautiful addition to the Memorial Tree in Yorkville.

Please contact Cookie Dolfi at 859-4403 for further information.

The Lions Club would also like to remind our readers that they are involved in collecting used eye glasses for those in need. Local collection sites are at our churches, banks and the Public Library in Tiltonsville. In the near future, our schools will also be collection sites.

The Panther Paw

The Buckeye Local School District publishes a monthly newsletter, The Panther Paw, to inform our citizens about meetings, activities and accomplishments in our schools. Each principal presents a report about his/her building and the Central office gives an update of events impacting the entire district. Each month a different business in the district is spotlighted. The monthly newsletter is available to all members of the community at local businesses and churches. It is also available on the district website. If your business would like to sponsor the Panther Paw, please contact Kerri Bobish at 769-7395.

Event Reminders

Dec. 4 at 5 p.m. – AARP Christmas Dinner at Dillonvale Municipal Building

Dec. 10 beginning at 10 a.m. Yorkville VFD Santa Run

Dec. 12 at 6:30 p.m . Lions Club Christmas Party at The Gathering Place, Smithfield

Dec. 16 at 6 p.m. Memorial Tree Lighting Service in Yorkville.

While the Christmas season is a time of joy, remember also that it is a time of sadness for many. For some it is the first Christmas without a loved one or maybe one of many Christmases without that someone special. For others, it is a stressful time, working extra hours, or perhaps not working at all. Young families struggle to put food on the table and to find that perfect gift that Santa just “has to bring”. Whatever your life circumstance, make this a special Christmas for someone, whether through a donation, working at a soup kitchen, taking a tag off a Giving tree or visiting someone who is sick or alone. Your kindness will bring a joy to someone, and that’s what it’s all about.

And always remember our military, stationed near and far, and the families who love them and can’t wait until they come home.