IN THIS ISSUE: DRIVE-THROUGH NATIVITY SCHEDULED page 2
Downingtown/Exton DECEMBER 12, 2018
VOL XXX • NO 44
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
QUIET CHRISTMAS
Grove United Methodist Church,
HOLIDAY CONCERT
The Chester County Choral Society will present a concert on Saturday, Dec. 15, at 7:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Church, 332 Manor Ave., Downingtown, and on Sunday, Dec. 16, at 3:30 p.m. at Church of the Good Samaritan, 212 W. Lancaster Ave., Paoli. The performance will feature “Christmas Oratorio” by Camille Saint-Saens, “Four Christmas Carols” by Mack Wilbert, and other holiday music. Visit www.chescochoral.org. SPECIAL SERVICE
Olivet United Methodist Church (UMC),
FREE DINNER
Hopewell United Methodist Church (UMC), 852 Hopewell Road, Downingtown, will hold a free traditional Christmas dinner with turkey and ham on Tuesday, Dec. 25, at 2 p.m. The event is open to the public. The meal is free, but those who plan to attend are asked to preregister by visiting www.hopewellumc.org or by calling the church office at 610-269-1545. Free shuttle bus transportation to and from the dinner will be available at the church’s community center, The Well, 107 W. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown. The shuttle will transport people to the meal from 1:30 to 2 p.m. and back to The Well from 3:30 to 4 p.m.
Four Scouts Earn The Rank Of Eagle pg 3
Decade To Doorways Initiative Honors Groups pg 2
Chester Springs Library Names New Director Programming Slated For Patrons Of All Ages
By Francine Fulton
Nancy Niggel was recently named the new director of the Chester Springs Library. She succeeds Nancy McLaughlin, who retired in August after serving the library for 10 years. Niggel said she heard about the position on the Chester County Library System’s website, where job opportunities are listed. After applying, she was interviewed by the library’s board of trustees. Niggel has years of experience working in libraries. Most recently, she was a reference librarian at the Chester County Library in Exton. Prior to that, she was the children’s librarian at the Royersford Free Library in Montgomery County for 13 years. Niggel, who received her master’s degree in library and information science from Drexel University, said she enjoyed her time as a reference See Chester Springs pg 6
By Francine Fulton
The Chester Springs Library will present a variety of programming in December and in January 2019, designed to interest patrons of all ages. The library will offer “Frosty Friends” Preschool Story Times on Wednesdays and Fridays at 10:30 a.m., with the exception of Dec. 26 and 28. The program will feature stories, songs, activities and a simple craft. Children of all ages are welcome, and no registration is required. In addition, Craft and Play Drop-ins will be held on Thursdays from 1 to 2 p.m. for children age 3 and over See Programming pg 4
Nancy Niggel, who was formerly a reference librarian at the Chester County Library in Exton and the children’s librarian at the Royersford Free Library, was recently named the new director of the Chester Springs Library.
Grace Covenant Church To Welcome New Worship Director
Christmas Open House To Feature Mansion Tours By Francine Fulton
By Francine Fulton
Volunteers and staff members at St. Mary of Providence Retreat Center in Elverson are busy decorating the site’s mansion in preparation for a Christmas open house to be held on Sunday, Dec. 16, from 1 to 5 p.m. During the event, visitors will be able to tour the 67-room mansion, known as Langoma, which is a Native American term that means “homestead.” A fee will be charged for the guided tours, with separate prices set for adults and for children age 12 and over. Children under age 12 will be admitted for free. See Open House pg 8
Chris Blosenski (left) and Sara Anderson put the finishing touches on a Christmas tree in Langoma, the mansion located at St. Mary of Providence Retreat Center. The site will hold a Christmas open house on Dec. 16.
Standard Oil Change
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Postal Patron
DCC
310 E. Chestnut St., Coatesville, will hold a Blue Christmas service on Monday, Dec. 17, at 7 p.m. in Benner Hall. The service of hope for those who mourn at Christmastime will be led by pastor Johnson Dolda. All are welcome. For more information, call 610-384-5828 or visit www.olivetumc.org.
OIC Receives Grant pg 6
The congregation at Grace Covenant Church in Exton will welcome Christopher Wright as its new director of worship beginning on Sunday, Dec. 16, at the church’s 9:30 a.m. Sunday worship service. Wright is a professional singer and songwriter and is also the founder of a national concert ministry, Blessed Hurricane Ministries. Prior to accepting the new position, he was a guest worship leader this past summer at Grace Covenant. “I have been helping churches for a number of years. I do concert ministry, coach worship teams and help churches in transition,” Wright explained. “(Grace Covenant) contacted me back in May and asked if I would help them lead worship at their See Grace Covenant pg 5
Free PA State Inspection With Emissions test $47. Line fee & sticker extra. Cars 1996 & newer. Expires 1/15/19.
Christopher Wright is the new director of worship at Grace Covenant Church in Exton.
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490 W. Boot Road, West Chester, will offer a Quiet Christmas service at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 19. The service is designed for persons seeking a quiet interlude for Christmas worship due to the busyness of the season or to life circumstances that require a quieter, gentler worship celebration. A reception with refreshments will follow. Children are welcome, and child care will also be available. For more details, visit www.grovechurch.org or contact Pastor Lin George at pastor.lin.george@gmail.com or 610696-2663.