St. Joseph’s Gowanda special events begin today

GOWANDA — St. Joseph’s Gowanda Catholic Church, located at 71 E. Main St., has developed a display of nativities from all over the world. Viewings will be held at the school Saturday, Nov. 30 from 2 to 4 and 5:30 to 7 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 1 from 9 a.m. to noon and Sunday, Dec. 8 from 9 a.m. to noon. Come see the true meaning of Christmas.

On Saturday, Dec. 21, the Church will hold its monthly community dinner from 4 to 6 p.m. All are welcome. There is no charge, but donations are accepted. This month’s menu consists of stuffed shells, salad, garlic bread and cookies.

Reverend Ron Skowronski to Speak at Unitarian Universalist

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Northern Chautauqua will welcome Reverend Ron Skowronski to the pulpit on Sunday, Dec. 1. Says Skowronski, “There are nearly as many ways to “keep” Christmas as there are Christian denominations.” In this sensitive and sometimes humorous reflection, Skowronski will show us how to enjoy and gain inspiration from this awe inspiring holiday whether we are religious or not. Just bring the gift that you are.

During worship services, children may remain with their parents, or parents may send children either to the supervised nursery or to the independent play room for children who are able to engage in unsupervised activities such as crafts and games. Both rooms are adjacent to the main room and have large windows which allow parents and children to see one another during the service.

This month, the Social Action Committee is collecting shampoo for the Silver Creek Food Pantry. We are also collecting non-perishable food for the Chautauqua County Rural Ministry’s Christmas baskets the first 4 Sundays in December.

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Northern Chautauqua is a liberal religious community devoted to promoting individual spiritual development, working toward peace, liberty and justice in our immediate and global communities, and providing companionship on life’s sacred journey. Worship services are held each Sunday at 11 a.m. at 222 Temple St., Fredonia. Parking for those who need close access is located immediately behind the building. Others are asked to park in the lower lot behind the building. Call 679-7944, visit the online calendar at https://tinyurl.com/caluucnc or visit the page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/uucnc for more information.

Light Up Christmas with the Knights of Columbus

The Dunkirk Council 929 Knights of Columbus will conduct their monthly Rosary on Sunday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. The annual “Lighting of the Christmas tree” will follow the Rosary. These events will be held at Club 929 at 302 Lynx St., Dunkirk. Everyone is invited to join in.

Carol Mullins of Quiet Whispers Ministry to present Advent evening

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church will host an Advent program on Tuesday, Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. in the Church, located at 328 Washington Ave. in Dunkirk. Carol Mullins of Quiet Whispers Ministry will present musical meditations on Advent Scriptures, particularly featuring Mary the Mother of God. The title of the evening program is “MARY, DID YOU KNOW? WHAT DID MARY KNOW?”

The program will focus on Mary’s Journey and will help all who attend to begin their Advent journey to Christmas and the Christ Child. This is sponsored by the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Adult Faith Formation Committee. The evening begins at 7 p.m. and will last about an hour, followed by an informal social in the Mothers’ Room on the parking lot side of the Church. There is no fee. The event is open to everyone.

Women Annual Christmas Plated Cookie Sale set

On Friday, Dec. 13 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Trinity Episcopal Church Women Annual Christmas Plated Cookie Sale will be held in Garland Hall, at the back of Trinity Episcopal Church, 11 Day St. Fredonia. All plates contain a variety of at least 18 cookies. There will be also available assorted mini breads, small fresh fruit tarts, ready to give tins of cookies/candies and other goodies. A limited number of gluten free or nut free or chocolate free will be available. All plated cookies will be $9 a plate and all other items will be as priced.

To pre-order cookies, call the Church office between noon and 5 p.m. from Dec. 4-6. Leave a clear message with your name, contact number and number of plates. All pre-orders should be picked up by 11 a.m. on the day of the sale unless other arrangements are made.

West Portland Baptist Church Christmas Concert

PORTLAND — The West Portland Baptist Church will present a Christmas Season Concert on Sunday, Dec. 8 at 4 p.m. Tammy Thompson of BreatheLife Ministries in Brocton will sing and lead a time of Christmas music. There is no charge and everyone is welcome. A fellowship dinner will follow in the church activity center. The church is located at 7081 East Route 20, Westfield (Between Pratt and Prospect Station roads.) For more information, the church number is 326-3417.