Local Choirs and Churches Bring Festive Vibes to the Community

Local music groups and churches are gearing up for a series of holiday events. These events promise to bring joy and warmth to the community during the festive season. First up, RCS Chamber Singers will team up with New Winter, a Celtic group from Ohio. They will perform a concert featuring bagpipes and vocal harmonies. This concert will take place next Saturday at 4 p. m. at Pennside Presbyterian Church. The quartet will blend Scottish smallpipes, vocals, and spoken word to create a unique experience. This is a great opportunity to enjoy some traditional Celtic music. In other news, the Ringgold Band will present its annual Christmas concert. This event will be held in the sanctuary of Reformation Lutheran Church on Sunday at 2 p. m. The Ringgold Band, one of America's first community bands, will perform a variety of holiday tunes. A free-will offering will be collected, and a reception will follow the concert. Additionally, a Blue Christmas Service of Comfort and Hope will be held today at 2 p. m. This service is for those who are bereaved and missing a loved one during the holidays. The Greater Reading Encore Chorale will also present a holiday concert. Titled “A Bit of Holiday Cheer, ” this concert will take place on Dec. 14 at 2 p. m. at Alsace Lutheran Church. A free-will offering will be taken, allowing attendees to support the choir and enjoy the performance. Local churches are also hosting various events. St. John’s Gernant’s Church will worship on Sunday at 9:30 a. m. Following the service, there will be a fellowship time. The church is also collecting peanut butter and cereal for the Schuylkill Valley Food Bank. Christ Lutheran Church will hold Coffee and Conversation on Sunday at 8:30 and 10 a. m. They will also have a quilt tying session, a ladies meeting, and a trip to Peppe’s for lunch. The Book Club will meet on Tuesday at 7 p. m. , and a brown bag Bible study will be held on Wednesday at noon. Good Samaritan Church of God is holding a dinner and fellowship event on Sunday from 3:30-6 p. m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. RSVP to Veda at 484-650-8413 to secure your spot. The Rev. Steven Shussett will be the guest pastor for the 9:30 a. m. worship service on Sunday at Salem Lutheran Church. A time for socializing and refreshments will follow the service. United Church of Christ of Robesonia is collecting monetary gifts for the Veterans of the Cross: The Christmas Fund. This fund helps retired church workers, including retired pastors. They are also receiving money for Liberty Square Personal Care to purchase an AED and equipment to rescue someone who is choking. Zion Moselem Lutheran Church will hold an outdoor illumination evening tonight at 6:30. This event will feature the turning on of all outside Christmas lights, followed by singing Christmas carols and family games. Friedens UCC will welcome guest musician Ellen Walter, who will accompany soloist Shirley Riegel-Ferrari during the 10:15 a. m. service on Sunday. St. Daniel’s Lutheran Church will hold its 24th annual Vesper Service on Dec. 14 at 4 p. m. at Conrad Weiser High School. Pre-service music by the Reading Pops Orchestra will begin at 3:30. Zion Lutheran Church will host a chili cook-off after the 10:30 a. m. worship service on Sunday. They will also hold a Christmas cookie sale next Saturday from 9 a. m. -noon or until sold out in the social hall. The cost is $11 per pound for a large variety.