Church news

 Circle of Grace Lutheran Chapel continues its observance of Advent by lighting the second candle on the advent wreath – the Candle of Preparation. Lighting the Candle of Preparation reminds us that as John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus, we also need to prepare ourselves for His coming into our lives. The church meets in Limestone College's Camp- Swofford Chapel.

 Annual Men's Day will be held Sunday, Dec. 6, at 10:30 a.m. at Bethel Baptist Church. Music will be presented by the Men's Choir and guest speaker will be S.C. House District 31 Representative of Spartanburg County, Harold Mitchell Jr. He is managing principal of the H. Mitchell Group LLC and executive director of Re- Genesis Economic Development Organization in Spartanburg.

 The All Male Chorus of Bethel Baptist Church will celebrate its anniversary Sunday, Dec. 6, at 4 p.m. with a singing programs. Various choirs and groups from the surrounding area will participate.

 The Mixed Ensemble of Limestone Missionary Baptist Church, 807 S. Johnson St., will have its 22nd anniversary program Sunday, Dec. 6, at 3 p.m.

Fund raiser

 Veterans of Foreign Wars and Ladies Auxiliary will have a garage sale Saturday, Dec. 5, from 8 a.m.- 2 p.m. Items for the sale were donated and all money received will be placed in the Buddy Poppy fund to be used for Christmas baskets for needy veterans and/or veterans' widows. Items for sale include a football, basketballs, dolls, trains and an assortment of other toys and more miscellaneous items for the home. The sale will be at the corner of Logan and Granard streets.

Senior Center news

 Do you know someone who would like to take the four-week Wilton decorating class that will begin Jan. 14 at the Gaffney Senior Center? If so, a Wilson gift certificate would be appreciated. Call Debbie at 864-489- 3868 to purchase a certificate.

 The Senior Centers of Cherokee County is sponsoring a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site in Cherokee County during the filing season, but desperately needs volunteers. If you're willing to be trained and certified to do simple income tax returns for low-income families, contact Debbie Davenport, 864-489-3868. Training will be Jan. 4-7 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Senior Center. Tax preparation will begin Jan. 25.

Holiday hours

 The History and Arts Museum's holiday will be Monday, Dec. 21-23, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The museum will be closed Dec. 24-Jan. 2. Regular hours are Wednesday-Friday, 10 a.m. -4 p.m. and Saturday, 2-5 p.m.

Special program

 In celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, a Christmas devotional will be broadcast Sunday, Dec. 6, at 8 p.m. on BYU-TV or at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 701 W. Buford St., Gaffney. Members of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints will speak about the Savior and his life. Special music will be presented by The Mormon Tabernacle Choir and The Orchestra at Temple Square.

Special events

 The Cherokee County Junior Women’s Club will sponsor "Breakfast with Santa" Saturday, Dec. 5, from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at Southside Baptist Church. Tickets are $7 and may be purchased by calling 864- 490-4505.

 A hands-on holiday candy making class will be held Saturday, Dec. 5, from 10 a.m.-noon at the Gaffney Senior Center, 499 W. Rutledge Ave. The class will cover melting, molding, coloring, marbleizing, hand dipping and candy cluster. Cost is $25; all supplies are included. A "Fun with Fondant Animals" class will be held Thursday, Dec. 10, from 6- 8 p.m. Participants will be making jungle animals such as tiger, zebra and monkey. Cost is $20; all supplies are included. Bring a container to take your finished treats home. Contact Debbie Davenport, 864-489-3868, to sign up for one or both of the classes.

Gospel singings

 Antioch Baptist Church of Gaffney, 300 Serene Drive, will have a free gospel concert Saturday, Dec. 5, at 5 p.m. featuring Travis Greene.

 The Singing Echoes of Cleveland, Tenn., will present a concert Sunday, Dec. 6, at 10 a.m. at High Point Baptist Church.