Photo submitted to Times Observer Kids from the Rouse Children’s Center presented their Annual Christmas Program last Friday at the Youngsville Fire Hall. The program began with toddlers ringing bells to the song Jingle Bells and was followed by the 3-5-year-olds singing holiday favorites like Suzie Snowflake and also gesturing to Up on the House Top, led by teacher Miss Nikki (at left). The evening of festivities culminated with the singing of We Wish You a Merry Christmas by both daycare and after school care kids.

Library Holiday Hours

In observance of the Christmas holiday, the Youngsville Public Library will be closed Dec. 24 to 26 and will be open for regular hours on Friday, Dec. 28 (noon to 4 p.m.). Normal business hours will resume on Jan. 2, 2019.

YFMC Program

On Sunday, Dec. 23, at 9:30 a.m., the Youngsville Free Methodist Church’s Sunday School will be presenting the program “Christmas Presence (bring your gifts to him).” This program is open to the public. Visit YBFree.org for more information.

Advent Services

During Advent, Contemporary Services will be held on Sunday, Dec. 23, at 8:15 and 11 a.m. at EUM church and at 9:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church.

On Sunday, Dec. 30, a “Charge Service” will be held at the EUM beginning at 11 a.m. with dinner to follow (sponsored by both EUM and First United Methodist in Youngsville). All are welcome to attend.

Otterbein Blue Christmas

On Sunday, Dec. 23, the Otterbein United Methodist Church (258 Dalrymple, Pittsfield) is having a Blue Christmas Service beginning at 6 p.m. Though Christmas is a time of joy and celebration for many who have lost loved ones, the holiday season can be filled with sorrow and pain. This service is meant to provide a place to grieve a loss, find community during dark times, and grasp hope in the midst of pain. The service is open to everyone.

Christmas Eve Services

Otterbein UMC, Pittsfield: Candlelight Services, 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Dec. 24; Youngsville First United Methodist Church: 7 p.m. Dec. 24; and, EUM Church: 11 p.m. Dec. 24.

Saron Lutheran Church is holding Christmas Eve Service at 4 p.m.

Free Christmas

Morning Breakfast

Free to all on Christmas morning, Saint Francis of Assisi Church in Youngsville is hosting a “Christmas Joy” breakfast buffet starting at 8:30 a.m. The breakfast buffet will be followed by a simple service at 9:30 a.m.

Service of Silent

Communion

On Monday, Dec. 31, the Otterbein UMC in Pittsfield is having a Service of Silent Communion from 7 to 9 p.m.

As we close one year and bring in another, it is important to start things off on the right foot. In recognition that all the days we have in the coming year are gifts from God to be used for His glory, Otterbein United Methodist Church has dedicated a time for prayer and communion on New Year’s Eve.

From 7 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 31, a service of silent communion will be held to focus our thought on what God is doing and to pray for God’s presence in 2019. People may show up at any during that time to receive communion and to pray. Individuals may stay as short or as long as they desire.

Recent Library Angels

Most recent Youngsville Public Library Angels include: Towards phone bills: In memory of Christine Manelick from Elsa Manelick; In honor of my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren from Elsa Manelick; Towards Software costs/maintenance: In memory of Jim & Susan Dunn from Ellie Dunn; In memory of Laura Johnson Hummell from Bill & Marilyn Johnson; Stamps: In Honor of our Grandchildren by Pat & Dick McChesney; In memory of Art & Chief from Peggy Olson; In honor of Veterans by Anonymous donor; In memory of Nancy Balling from Cherri & Allan Watson; Debbie Dunn; Towards Telephone bills: In memory of Paula Southwell from Peggy Kellogg; Towards kid/youth programming: In Honor of grandchildren from Mary Sullivan; Large print books: In Memory of Tom Craig from Rhonda Craig; Energy-saving lightbulbs: In Honor of my children from Rhonda Craig; In Honor of our grandchildren from Ingrid & Jim Fitzgerald; Office supplies: In memory of Art & Chief from Peggy Olson; In Honor of my grandchildren from Rhonda Craig; Paper for copier: In memory of Laura Hummel from Cherri & Allan Watson; Kid’s DVD: In Memory of Peg Brittain from Debbie & Alan Henry; Book covering supplies: In memory of Connie Hoffman from Ingrid & Jim Fitzgerald; Paper for fax machine: In Honor of Library staff from Anonymous donor; In honor of YPL’s patrons from Kristy & Roger Wallace; Towards Gas Bills: In memory of Sadie Kellogg from Peggy Kellogg; and for Books from YPL’s new-book wish-list: In memory of Curt from Elain McGraw; In Honor of Jim Morrison from Sue Kibbey; In memory of Denise Dorrion from Mary Beth & Jim Riggle; In Honor of Murray Trask from Sue Kibbey.

You can become a Youngsville Library Angel from now through Friday, Dec. 21.

The Youngsville Public Library has a special tree on display near the circulation desk.

The Library Angel tree is filled with a variety of ornaments listing basic items (and their costs/donation denomination) that are vital to the survival of the library. Everything from basic utilities expenses to energy-saving lightbulbs to office supplies, acid-free historical collection materials and even book processing costs (just to name a few).

Community members are encouraged to take an ornament from the tree and make a donation at the circulation desk. You will then receive a Library Angel ornament to place back on the tree for each Angel donation that is made. You also have the option to make a donation in honor of someone or in memoriam.

Cards stating that you have made a donation to the Youngsville Library on behalf of a loved one are available to place in stockings or for mailing.

You can mail your Library Angel Tree donation to Youngsville Public Library, c/o Library Angel, 100 Broad Street, Youngsville, Pa. 16371. Specify who the donation is from and if it is a Memorial or In Honor Of donation. For more information, call (814)563-7670.