This past weekend, I think is one of the busiest of the entire year which will soon be closing upon us.

The Luminary will have three issues this month before we break for the holidays after Dec. 19.

This month the area churches have a lot going on with free dinners, service projects, and concerts. I was at the First United Methodist Church three times last week for three different events. They are really taking off with their new addition and renting the space to many organizations in the community. On Saturday they had a fundraiser, a holiday craft show with plenty of quality vendors. Becky Hibschman from Muncy had the most exquisite stained glass pieces she created. She also is a goldsmith who used to work for James Myer. Look for her work at more shows next year.

I attended the rehearsal for the church’s annual Cantata, a holiday tradition at the church for decades and this year on Dec.15 there will be a very special concert with a 30 piece orchestra and over 50 voices. Mark this one on your calendar for 2 p.m. in the church’s sanctuary.

The Church of Resurrection in Muncy is having a service project. Students from the Confirmation class are collecting gently used winter coats to be distributed to the area schools for children in need. If you have any to donate, drop them off at the church before Dec. 16 or call 546-3900.

Don’t forget the collection for Santa’s Seniors. Over 400 meals will be served to shut-ins in Lycoming County, and thanks to the many donations of others, a Christmas basket filled with lots of goodies will accompany each meal. Socks and snacks are great to give, and you have until Thursday, Dec. 13 to drop them off at our office from 9 to 3 at 1025 Rt. 405 in Wolf Township.

Our well known writer, Carol Shetler was a guest speaker last month at the Muncy Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. They held a fair week treating residents to homemade ice cream while listening to country music, playing games and given the opportunity to win prizes and a raffle. Carol presented her quilts and hand designs that were related to fairs. Some featured baked products, canned goods, judging, livestock seen at the fair and blacksmiths from long ago. It was reported that the quilt she made of the fancy dresses was one of their favorites.

The Vineyard youth activity center in Muncy held two lock-ins last month for youth ages 12 through 19. They stayed the entire night on Nov. 9 until 7 a.m. the next morning with adult supervision. They were fed tacos and ice cream and donations were given towards the cost of the food. They got to play games, watch a movie and listen to music. Kudos to all the volunteers who made that happen. It makes me want to be a teen again. They are planning a Christmas party for the youth on Dec. 21st.

Muncy Events

Sat. Dec. 8 Clothing and toy giveaway from 9 to 3 at Radiant Light Church, 9565 Rt. 442, Muncy.

Sun. Dec. 9 Holiday Boutique at Bush House in Muncy from 11-4.

Sun. Dec. 9 2nd Annual Holiday Boutique from 11 to 4 at Katy’s Church, 440 Katys Church Road, Madison Township, Columbia County. They will be hosting their annual hunter’s luncheon from 11 to 3. Everyone is welcome and proceeds benefit church restoration. Call 570-764-2412 for more info.

Mon. Dec. 10 Slime time at the Muncy Public library, ages 8 and up, 6:30 p.m. Call 546-5014 for more information.

Tues. Dec. 11 Muncy Library book fundraiser with Friends of the Library, 3-6 p.m. Lots of book titles and gift ideas to choose from for all ages.

Weds. Dec. 12 Pre-school story time at the Muncy Public Library, ages 3-5,10 a.m.

Weds. Dec. 12 Muncy Woman’s Club December meeting is a Christmas dinner at 6 p.m. at the First UM Church in Muncy. Call 546-2627 for more information.

Thurs. Dec. 13 You and Me paint night at the Muncy Public Library, kids ages 8 and up, 6 p.m.

Fri. Dec. 14 Toddler tales at the Muncy Public Library, ages 1-3, 10 a.m.

Sun. Dec. 16 “Christmas Dreams” Cantata at 1st UM Church, 602 S. Market St., Muncy. 10:45 a.m. during service and the public is encouraged to attend this free concert at 2 p.m.

Mon. Dec. 17 program on relieving stress at the Meck Senior Center, 50 Fitness Lane, Muncy, 11 a.m.

Dec. 19 & 20 Son-Light House holiday distribution days, 130 Carpenter St., Muncy. Weds. 9-noon & Thurs. 5-7:30 p.m.

Fri. Dec. 21 Christmas dinner catered at the Meck Senior Center, noon.

Thurs. Dec. 27 Veterans assistance hours from 9:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Rep. Garth Everett’s office on Kristi Road in Pennsdale. Dan Falls department service officer with the Pennsylvania American Legion, will be available by appointment to help with compensation, pension, death benefits, education, health care and general veterans’ benefits. Veterans do not need to be a member of the legion to participate. Call 570-546-2084 to schedule an appointment.