News

CHRISTMAS BRIEFS: Advent, Bounty, light show, Sandburg

By Bill Moss, Published: December 9, 2015

Advent Taizé service offers healing, prayer

The community is invited to a special Advent Taizé service
of prayer and healing at Grace
Lutheran Church on Wednesday, Dec. 16, at 6 p.m. With liturgy, prayers and Scripture readings,
worshipers will be reminded of God’s presence, love and power to heal. Soothing and calming hymns and music will help attendees slow down and simply be more “in tune” with the presence of God. Those who desire individual prayer, laying on of hands and/or anointing with oil will be invited to come to the altar where a pastor will do those traditional actions and offer private, intercessory prayer for those persons.
A light supper (free will offering requested and reservations required) will be served from 5 until 5:30 p.m. in Stull Hall for those who wish to eat at the church before each Advent worship service in the Sanctuary at 6 p.m. Reservations for supper can be made by calling 828-693-4890 no later than Friday, Dec. 12.

Bounty accepting donations for meal

Bounty of Bethlehem is gearing up for its annual community Christmas Day dinner. Upcoming events are:
• Turkey or Bone-in Ham Drop-off, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, and Sunday, Dec. 20.
• Dessert Drop Off, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Dec. 23 and 24, and 10-11 a.m. on Christmas Day.
• Toy Drive, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, and 8 a.m.- 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19. Please donate new and unwrapped toys only and include batteries.
Other toy drop-off locations through Dec. 17 are Dr. Joe Farrar offices in Hendersonville and Brevard; Mast General Store on Main Street, and Millers cleaners locations in Hendersonville and Laurel Park.
To donate money safely and securely online visit thebountyofbethlehem.org.

Methodist Church sets Advent services

First United Methodist Church, 204 Sixth Avenue West, has set the following Christmas events:

Prayer Labyrinth to walk in quiet contemplation and meditation, Monday, Dec. 14, 1:30 pm to 7:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Dec. 15, 1:30 to 7:30 p.m.; Wednesday, Dec. 16, 1:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, Dec. 17, 1:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Christmas Eve services: Wednesday, Dec. 24, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., family candlelight communion service, a celebration for all ages. Childcare available. 6:30 p.m., Praise Candlelight Communion Service with lively music and celebration abounding. Childcare available. 8 p.m., Candlelight Communion Service, a traditional worship service proclaiming the Good News. Childcare available. 11 p.m., Candlelight Communion Service.

Saxophonist plays at Saluda’s Hometown Christmas

SALUDA — Saxophonist Darryl Olivier will perform during Saluda’s Hometown Christmas is Friday, Dec. 11, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the historic depot.
The Christmas event extends from Main Street to Nostalgia Courtyard and across the bridge. There is an ecumenical service at 8:15 p.m. at the Saluda Presbyterian Church on Carolina Street.
Fifteen artists will display works of arts and crafts for sale at the depot as the Saluda Holiday Gallery continues through Dec.. The Saluda Historic Depot is open Thursday-Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.
For more information, contact Judy Ward at 828-674-5958 or email at judyward@charter.net, or Cathy Jackson at 828-817-2876 or email cathyj@rsnet.org.

Light show returns

Shadrack’s Christmas Light Show is now open at the WNC Ag Center. The drive-through, fully synchronized LED Christmas light and music show is from dusk to 10 p.m. each night, even holidays. For information call 888-321-7547 or visit www.shadrackschristmas.com/Asheville.

Sandburg show celebrates Christmas

Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site will host Christmas at Connemara on Saturday, Dec. 19, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Steve and Jean Smith will provide dulcimer and harp music while visitors make crafts. More music begins in the house garage at 10:30 a.m. with John Perkins performing. At 11:30 a.m., professional storyteller Becky Stone will share traditional African-American holiday stories and songs accompanied by guitar.

Recycling tree lights

The Christmas Lights Recycling Project, initiated in Henderson County five years ago to keep tree lights out of the landfills and turn trash to cash for area non-profits, will be held again this year. For the 2014-15 season the Flat Rock Playhouse YouTheatre and St. Gerard House received proceeds. Bring discarded lights to the Flat Rock Playhouse box office or St. Gerard House.