Religion briefs 12/13

Church surprises Teen Challenge with cookies

Volunteers at Christ Presbyterian Church gathered Wednesday morning in the church kitchen to bake dozens of cookies for the Teen Challenge Mid-America residents.

With assembly-line precision, the volunteers donned aprons, lined up cookie sheets and went into action under the direction of Glenda Crosno, who also arranged delivery of 30 gallons of donated milk to accompany the cookies.

The volunteers baked on three occasions and donated their treats to employees at both Bank of Missouri and Commerce Banks, as well as students at Central Middle School. Church members plan to continue baking and donating to various organizations as part of a new community outreach program at the church.

The church will hold its annual Christmas dinner and tree-trimming at 6:30 p.m. today.

Church to present living Nativity

Trinity Lutheran Church in Egypt Mills will be celebrating Christmas with a live Nativity for the community from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 20. This is a free event sponsored by the church.

The evening's activities will include the live Nativity with readings of the Christmas story, singing Christmas carols, Christmas crafts for children, live dulcimer and psaltery music and chili, hot chocolate and desserts.

-- From staff reports