Gibson City Courier from Gibson City, Illinois • 16

loMI IOUN HOI IDAYS 4 Wednesday, November 19, 2008, The Journal Heyworth Star Gibson City Courier 5Sji ltr LI I 0 IK. Luci Fest Dec. 13 PAXTON The Evangelical Covenant Church of Paxton will hold its 1 5th annual Christmas Lucia Fest from 9 a.m. until noon on Dec. 13 at 260 S.

Union Street in Paxton. Brunch will include Swedish baked goods and cheeses, rice pudding, fruit soup, Swedish pancakes, potato sausage, ling-onberries and coffee at tables. A kiil-friendly menu includes french toast sticks, milk, fruit and a special treat made by parishioners. A bazaar, including Swedish and country craft goods made by members and friends of the congregation, will also he held at the church, along 'with a bake sale that includes Swedish baked goods and rye breads, cookies, peanut brittle and various cotfec breads. The Evangelical Covenant Church of Paxton was founded in 1 87H and has a membership of 190.

The church began hosting the Lucia Fest in 1994. Half of the proceeds from the event will benefit local missions through the church and half will be earmarked towards the church's building improvement fund. For more information about the Lucia Fest or the ministries of the church, call Pat Nelson at the church, 217-379-3554 or email her at fey VfJA- PHOTOS BY STEVE HOFFMANFarmer City Journal TO BE HONORED AT FARMER CITY CHRISTMAS PARADE Longtime educators Mike and Brenda Hendricks (upper left) will serve as Grand Marshals of this year's Farmer City Christmas Parade on Nov. 23. At right are Emily Lange and Ian King, who will be Miss Merry and King Christmas at the parade.

Farmer City's 34th annual parade set for Nov. 23 FAR.MKR CITY The 34th Annual Farmer City Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade will be Sunday, Nov. 23 at 2 p.m. The annual Christmas Parade is traditionally one of the largest Christmas Parades in Central Illinois, and always draws a huge crowd of spectators from throughout the area. YVWIIP, 98.3 FAl, Farmer City, will be broadcasting the event live from the business district.

Santa Claus will also be making his grand entrance into Farmer City, and will be available after the parade at his house in the Farmer City Central Park. entries, holiday floats, local celebrities, antique cars and tractors, and many other entries lined up for the parade as well! Individuals or groups who still wish to enter are asked to call Chad Wills, parade chairman, at (309) 928-31 54. Grand Marshals The grand marshals for this year's parade are Mike and Brenda Hendricks. Mike and Brenda are long-time residents of Farmer City, and have been very active in the community through the years. Mike is in his year as chemistry teacher at Blue Ridge I ligh School, and Brenda is in her 28'1' year for the Blue Ridge School District, currently serving as District Librarian.

Mike recently retired as Blue Ridge golf coach after serving in that capacity for 17 years. lie is in his 26'1' year as Quiz Bowl Coach, and also was varsity girl's basketball coach for 1 8 years. Mike and Brenda are members of the Osman Lutheran Church, Woodlawn Country Club, and Mike is involved in the Farmer City Kiwanis Club. They have three children, including Brant, who is an accountant for Boeing Aviation in St. Louis; Amber, The parade will follow its traditional route, starting at the Farmer City Fairgrounds, and proceeding" down Main Street through -the business district.

The theme for this year's parade is "A Cowboy and there are nearly 100 entries lined up for the parade again this year. Entrants for the parade include the Blue Ridge, Heyworth, and Deland-YVeldon Marching Bands. WCIA chief weather forecaster Judy Fraser will be making her 3 1st appearance in the parade. In addition, there are several new groups and organizations, many Shrine who is a senior at Flmhurst College; and Jaime who is a freshman at SIU-Fdwards-ville. Mike also served as Farmer City Christmas Parade Chairman for two years in the 1990's.

King and Merry Christmas King and Miss Merry Christmas will also help preside over the parade. This year's recipients are third graders Ian King, the son of Ken and Jessica DeMarse of Farmer City and Scott King; and Emily Lange, the daughter of Nathan and Stacy Lange of Farmer City. 70 LeRoy Methodist Christmas Schedule I Served Hot Every day! Soup or Chili and Cornbread Sticks or a Toasted Cheese Sandwich and a Can of Pop Only $3.99 Thanksgiving service Nov. 25 FARMER CITY The Farmer City Thanksgiving Celebration, a community Thanksgiving service, is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov.

25 at Trinity Community Fellowship, located at 1300 VV. Clinton Ave. Music will be provided by the TCF praise team, and the service will also feature a special time of Thanksgiving and prayer. Rev. Dennis Smith of the United Methodist Church will be the featured speaker.

Refreshments will be served following the service. ft 9 Shivers Jitters; O. LEROY The holidays will be a busy time for LeRoy First United Methodist Church. Music, decorating and special services have all been added to the calendar. Saturday, Nov.

29 A special "Hanging of the Greens" worship service and soup supper will be held at 5 p.m. under the leadership of Pastor iVlary Louise Ilaxton with music by Steve Dean. fJ0 If swing choir under the direction of Mary Sigler. Sunday, Dec. 14 The' Sunday School department will present their Christmas program during thi- 9:15 a.m.

Sunday School hour. Sunday, Dec. 21 All the choirs of the church will provide special Christmas music during the 10:30 a.m. worship. The music will be under the leadership of Steve Dean, choir director.

Wednesday, Dec. 24 The family Christmas Eve service will begin at 7 p.m., featuring music by Joyful Praise and youth bells. Communion and candlelight will be included. The Christmas Eve choral and handbell prelude will begin at 10:30 p.m., leading up to the 1 1 p.m. Christmas Eve candlelight and communion service.

Special music will be by the Wesley Choir and handbell choir. All services are conducted by Pastor Mary Louise Haxton. We'd Be Open the Day of the Parade'. 1 JjJJjJ3JJU Come Sec lis, Sunday 1-4 pm Sunday, Dec. 7 The United Methodist Men will host the annual chili luncheon immediately following the 10:30 a.m.

worship. The meal will feature homemade chili, pies, relishes and beverages. All are welcome. Donations go towards the men's projects throughout the Wednesday, Dec. 10 The Baptist Church Women will host the annual Christmas tea at 2 p.m.

at their church. Special music will be provided by the elementary7 TcJP 4 1 LSI m. Sweet Marie's BUILTA'S FLOOR COVERING INC. tyjt Shop 'Downtown 'Jarmer Citu Gift Baskets: rl Avai(db(e for att. occasions iviansTieia uiviu Advent Celebration 206 S.

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