Area congregations schedule special services and events

Heidelberg UCC

Schwenksville: A Holiday Craft Bazaar will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at Heidelberg United Church of Christ, 251 Perkiomen Avenue. Get a head start on your holiday shopping with handmade gifts, crafts, vendors, bake table, raffle baskets. Lunch is available for purchase.

Christ Episcopal

Pottstown: An Autumn Bazaar will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at Christ Episcopal Church, 316 High St. Featuring eat-in cafe with continental breakfast, hot dogs, hoagies, soup, apple dumplings, soup and hoagies to go, bake sale; grandma’s attic with jewelry, vintage, tools, afghans, children’s books, small flea market items of good quality.

New Hanover Lutheran

Gilbertsville: Living Gifts Fair, a different kind of craft fair, will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today and from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Sunday at New Hanover Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2941 Lutheran Road, sponsored by New Hanover Evangelical Lutheran Church Mission Service Committee. This event is a place where humanitarian gifts will be sold. All proceeds benefit people in need, both in the community and around the world, including Ten Thousand Villages Frederick Living, ELCA Good Gifts KenCrest, “Christmas Flea Market” Chester County Pet Pantry, Women’s Center of Montgomery County, The Carousel at Pottstown, Seeing Eye Noah’s Ark Rescue Project and other private vendors and Sanctuary. Lunch will be available on Saturday. Cash and checks only, no credit cards. For more information, contact the church at 610326-1335.

Bethel UMC

Spring City: A Christmas Bazaar will take place from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. today in Fellowship Hall at Bethel United Methodist Church, 952 Bethel Church Road. Crafts, attic treasures, bake table, preserves pantry, homemade soups and other great foods.

Centennial Lutheran

Kimberton: The 25th annual Christmas Crafts Festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at Centennial Lutheran Church, 1330 Hares Hill Road. There will be tables of quality crafts made by area crafters as well as a delicious lunch of soup, hot sandwiches and desserts available for purchase. Also, plan on visiting Grandma’s Attic with two rooms of gently used treasures. The church is collecting canned goods and non-perishable items to be donated to Phoenixville Area Community Services (PACS) during the month of November. In addition, the annual book drive is being held to collect books for the Phoenixville Area Children’s Learning Center. Books may be brought in until Dec. 3.

St. Andrew’s Episcopal

Glenmoore: A discussion on human trafficking and practical tips to help protect children will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Routes 401 and 100, located behind Ludwig’s Inn and Oyster Bar. The panel will consist of Rich Cordivari, vice president of operations support for Allied Universal Security Human trafficking – what it is, signs and who to call if you suspect a case, what DHS and public/private partnerships are doing. Carol Metzker, consultant to Salvation Army’s New Day to Stop Trafficking Program Human trafficking – what it really means to be a victim, what’s been done and what TSA New Day is doing, how you can help – interactive exercises, practical tips to help protect children. There will be light refreshments after the discussion. Free will offering graciously accepted. For more information, contact Robert Cordivari at rcordivari@gmail.com.

First Presbyterian

Pottstown: It is Dedication Sunday and the Cherubs will be singing at the 10:30 a.m. worship service at First Presbyterian Church. Receiving the Sacrament of Holy Baptism will be Cecilia Marie Chandler, daughter of Brad and Katie Chandler. After worship, the Jr. Seekers will be heading to Redner’s

for their annual food drive for Operation Backpack. The Faith and Nature group will be meeting at 2 p.m. at Crow’s Nest Preserve, 201 Piersol Road, Elverson.

St. Luke’s Lutheran

Obelisk: A free Community Dinner will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday in the large Sunday School room at Saint Luke’s Lutheran Church, Route 73 and Neiffer Road.

Christ Lutheran

Barto: The Prayer Shawls that have been knitted/crocheted by members of the congregation will be blessed during both the 7:45 and 10:15 a.m. services on Sunday at Christ Lutheran Church, 222 Niantic Road. The Transformation Praise Band will provide special music during the 10:15 a.m. service. Immediately following the 10:15 a.m. service, the annual fall congregational meeting will be held in the sanctuary. All communing/contributing members are encouraged to attend to vote on the 2018 budget and the 2018 Council members. There will be a choir rehearsal for the joint Thanksgiving Eve service choir at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Bally Mennonite Church. Christ Lutheran along with Calvary UCC and Bally Mennonite churches will join together in a Keystone-Miller Blood Drive on Thursday from 2:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Bally Mennonite Church

Pughtown Baptist

Spring City: A Holiday Happenings Craft Show will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at Pughtown Baptist Church, 780 Pughtown Road. There will be vendors of all handmade items: clothing, jewelry, art, wood, and more; food and baked goods for sale and basket raffles.

St. James Lutheran

Limerick: Members of St. James Lutheran Church, 93 Kugler road, will meet at 10 a.m. today to make no-sew blankets for “Operation Valor.” The blankets will be given to veterans in palliative/ hospice care and those who are homeless and in need. Members of the confirmation class will attend the Junior Youth Gathering of the Southeastern Synod of ELCA today and Sunday. The theme is “Reformation Then and Now” and will be held at Refreshing Mountain Camp in Lancaster.

Calvary UCC

Barto: To rent a table for the annual Holiday Bazaar and bake sale on Saturday, Nov. 18, contact Eileen Haring at 610-754-6046. Donations for the church flea market stand Nov. 15 to 17 will be accepted at the bottom doors.

Trinity UCC

Pottstown: Members of Trinity United Church of Christ, 60 N. Hanover St., will hold their annual Congregational Meeting following the 9:30 a.m. worship service on Sunday. The purpose of the meeting is to adopt the 2018 budget, elect the new Consistory members for 2018 and elect the members of the Pottstown Cemetery Board. Members will also hear interim reports from the various committees. A light lunch will follow the meeting.

St. Luke Lutheran

Gilbertsville: During the service, A special Litany of Courage and Peace will be used in honor of and appreciation for veterans during the service on Sunday at St. Luke Lutheran Church. Wednesday is the monthly Senior Breakfast at Saville’s Diner. The Community Clothing Rack will be open for distribution from 1 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday.

St. John’s UCC

Pottstown: St. John’s UCC will host The annual Holiday Bazaar will be hosted from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at St. John’s United Church of Christ. Hot and cold lunch items, cookies, desserts, craft items and White Elephant items are all available. Members continue to collect boxes of stuffing for the Cluster Holiday Baskets and supplies for CWS Hygiene kits.

St. Peter’s Lutheran Pottstown: Stewardship Sunday will be observed at the 8 and 10:30 a.m. Worship

Services at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 564 Glasgow St. The four-week Stewardship program concludes today. The final Stewardship Temple Talk will be given by Darlyn Snyder at both worship services. The Sacrament of Holy Baptism will be administered at the 10:30 a.m. worship service to Willem James Toepel, son of parents, Jordan Michael and Susan Nicole Toepel. Sponsors are Jana Ulrich (aunt) and Brett Ulrich (uncle). Seniors Luncheon will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday at Brookside Family Restaurant.

Coventryville UMC

Pottstown: The congregation holds the annual Christmas Bazaar from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at Coventryville United Methodist Church. 1521 Old Ridge Road. Food, crafts, plants, attic treasures, baked goods and more are on sale. The Thrift Shop will also be open at the same time.

Zion’s UCC

Pottstown: The Annual Congregational Meeting will be held after Sunday’s morning worship at Zion’s United Church of Christ, Hanover and Chestnut streets. Review and adoption of the budget for 2018 and election of new Consistory members are the tasks for members. Soup and salad will be served. Handbells will perform special music during the worship service. The Altar Guild will return to the use of fresh fruits and vegetables on the altar for Thanksgiving. Members should check the list in the November Tymes and drop off donations in the lobby of the Sunday School building by Saturday, Nov. 18. Donations will be given to the Cluster Outreach Center for Thanksgiving. Pottstown: Tickets are currently on sale for the upcoming Ball Brothers Holiday Concert being held at 7 p.m. on Dec. 8 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 150 N. Hanover St. Tickets are $22.50 and $17. Purchase tickets online at www.Eventbrite. com or the church website at www.emmanuelpottstown.com.

Brownback’s UCC

Spring City: The Annual Holiday Bazaar will be held from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. today at Brownback’s United Church of Christ, 640 Ridge Road. Join us for lunch from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Veterans will be honored and the Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes will be blessed during the 10 a.m. worship service on Sunday. Remain after the service for Social Hour in Fellowship Hall hosted by the Kitchen Committee.

Shepherd of the Hills

Bechtelsville: Food will be collected for the Salvation Army Thanksgiving boxes through Nov. 15 at Shepherd of the Hills Church, 527 Hoffmansville Road. Scouting for Food collection will take place from today through Nov. 18. The Prime Timers will hold a fellowship lunch at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday at Pizza Como in Pennsburg.

Second Baptist

Pottstown: Pastor Roland Anderson’s 23rd Pastoral Anniversary Celebration will be held at Second Baptist Church, 507 N. Adams St., at 11 a.m. on Sunday. Reverend James Allen, Philadelphia, is guest preacher. Worship music is by the Tiller Sisters. A meal will be served after the service, all are invited.

Bethel Community

Pottstown: On Sunday immediately following service at Bethel Community Church of Pottstown, 575 N. Keim St., Pastor Ross, Boards of Stewards and Trustees will meet with the entire church family.

Mount Carmel UMC

St. Peters: A group from Mount Carmel Methodist Church, 2203 Harmonyville Road, will be attending a Methodist Charge Conference at 9 a.m. today at Hope Church in Douglassville. Refreshments will be served after the 10 a.m. service on Sunday. All are welcome.

New Goshenhoppen UCC

East Greenville: A dinner and dance will be held from 7 to 10:30 p.m. on Friday at New Goshenhoppen United Church of Christ, 1070 Church Road. There will be a variety of music. Cost is $12.