RELIGION NEWS & NOTES

Annual Cookie Walk St. Francis-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church: The church’s annual Cookie Walk will be Saturday, Dec. 2 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. The event will be held at the church, 689 Sugartown Road in Willistown Township. Parishioners will make a variety of cookies – including allergen-free – to donate to the Cookie Walk. People attending the event will be given a box to “walk” around tables stacked with cookies, and, for $25 per box, can fill their boxes with the cookies of their choice. All proceeds will benefit the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County. For more information, visit the St. Francis-in-the-Fields website at http://stfrancisfields.com.

Free Community Christmas Benefit Concert

Grace Covenant EPC: A free Christmas benefit concert and reception will take place Sunday, Dec. 10 at 4 p.m. Delight in local musical talent as they present joyful Christmas songs and narrations reflecting on the hope found in the birth of Jesus Christ. After the concert enjoy a selection of holiday beverages and snacks. Christmas is a time for generosity. Help The Lord’s Pantry provide our neighbors in need in Downingtown, Lionville and Exton with supplemental food this Christmas. We will be collecting donations of canned food items and/or kid’s mittens at the concert so consider bringing a contribution. Visit christmasinexton for more information.

Melmark Joybells concert

Trinity Presbyterian Church: The Melmark “Joybells” will present a free concert in the church Sanctuary, 640 Berwyn Ave., Berwyn, Saturday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m.

All are welcome. Melmark is a non-profit provider of residential, educational, therapeutic, and recreational services for people with intellectual disabilities and physical challenges, fully licensed by the Pennsylvania Departments of Public Welfare and Education. The members of the “Joybells” are from Melmark. Under the direction of Sue Graves and Catie Parker, this unique handbell choir presents a varied repertoire that includes sacred, classical, popular, Broadway, Disney, patriotic, and Christmas selections on their five - octave Schulmerich handbells, silver melody bells, Malmark handchimes, and percussion. The “Joybells” have traveled extensively, performing for churches, schools, colleges, and corporate/community events from Maine to Florida and throughout the Midwest. They performed the National Anthem at the Phillies, have played at the Kimmel Center, on television, twice with the Brass Ensemble of the Philadelphia orchestra, and recently recorded a CD with the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia entitled “Music That Matters”. In addition to performing for Pennsylvania governors’ inaugurations, they have had the privilege of performing three times at The White House. Grateful for every opportunity to share their music and message, the “Joybells” will capture the hearts of any audience and gently open eyes that have been closed too long to the world of disability. All are welcome to come and listen! The concert is free and open to the public. A free will offering will be accepted. For additional information visit www.trinityberwyn. com or call 610-644-0932.