Conestoga Valley townlively.com
DECEMBER 15, 2021
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LVII • NO 52
A Thrill Of Hope Church Plans Service For Those Experiencing Loss
ruce Tully, pastor of Salem Evangelical Reformed Church, Hellers, and Ron Gardiner, music director at the church, have been considering the hurts of a “weary world” for a while. “We talked about this five years ago,” recalled Gardiner. “But it evolved when I found this piece of music.” The anthem Gardiner shared with Tully was called “When Memory Fades,” and the piece became the impetus for “A Thrill of Hope,” a program of seasonal songs and God’s Word to comfort those affected by loss, to be held at the church, 2555 Horseshoe Road, Lancaster, at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 19. Tully noted that all are welcome to the service, but that the mix of music by composer Joel Raney with Scripture readings and a message of hope and encouragement is especially designed for
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“This goes beyond (physical loss) to encompass the loss of (a loved one) due to memory loss or anything that would take the person you know away.” Highlights of the event will include soloist Carolyn McClain singing “You Do Not Walk Alone,” and a unique opportunity to place
BY ANN MEAD ASH
Ronks Shop Makes Space For Local Groups
Does anything push the cuteness quotient like a puppy or kitten under a fully decorated Christmas
BY ANN MEAD ASH
When Linda DaSilva walked into the Quilt Shop at Miller’s, 2811 Lincoln Highway East, Ronks, in January, she began a conversation with retail manager Annette Nauman. “I said it was a fun place,” recalled DaSilva. Nauman responded by asking DaSilva if she would like to work in the shop. Two days later, DaSilva was back to fill out an application, and she began working in the shop in March. See Quilt Shop pg 2
an ornament honoring a loved one on a live tree, which will later be planted on the church grounds. “We have taken what was basically a Christmas cantata with four themes of Advent - love, joy, hope, and peace - and broken it into segments,” explained Tully. The addition of the tagline “A Weary World Rejoices” enhances the meaning of the presentation in a world two years into the effects of a pandemic. Gardiner noted that Raney’s works are familiar to the congregation since the composer visited the church a few years ago. “We got to know him, and we do a lot of his music,” said Gardiner. “He has done some interesting things musically that give (his compositions) a whole fresh approach.” Light refreshments will be served following the service. In the case of inclement weather, readers are asked to visit www.salemhellers.com.
Salem Evangelical Reformed Church pastor Bruce Tully (left) and music director Ron Gardiner are planning a special service for those who have experienced loss.
A New Pet For Christmas?
Alexis Vollmer of the Humane League of Lancaster County helps match pets and owners.
tree? Probably not, but is it wise to bring a pet into the home during the holidays only to fully grasp the reality of pet ownership when life returns to normal in January? Alexis Vollmer, an animal care technician, with the Humane League of Lancaster County, said that the last couple of years the organization has been lucky following Christmas. “We had quite a few less returns compared to how many were adopted out,” noted Vollmer, who credits the matchmaking skills of league members and staff with that low number. See Humane League pg 5
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Student-Athletes Sign Letters Of Intent . . . .3 Church Plans “Carols & Cocoa” . . . . . . .4 House Of Worship . . . . . .11 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . .13
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those who have experienced losses. “This goes beyond (physical loss) to encompass the loss of (a loved one) due to memory loss or anything that would take the person you know away,” said Tully, who stated there is a special type of mourning associated with this loss that affects people strongly at Christmas. He added that medical professionals may benefit from the service as well.
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BY ANN MEAD ASH
