Lights, trees, viewable at Hope Center Indy
INDIANAPOLIS — A Christmas tree walk and lights were set to open Friday (Dec. 4) at Hope Center Indy and remain open for viewing daily.
About 30 live trees from Michigan are decorated and viewable in the prayer center and tunnel at the front of the facility from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Outdoor lights and the Garden of Peace are viewable from 6 to 9 p.m.
Hope Center leaders have said they hope families will take advantage of an opportunity to enjoy Christmas cheer in a socially distanced way, as they can stop by whenever they choose while it’s open. They imagine visitors coming to the center, perhaps stopping by its coffee shop, and strolling among the trees.
Nursery items available
GREENFIELD — Do you know someone who could benefit from a nursery item? Trinity Park United Methodist Church has a giving nursery stocked with new and gently used items, and the church wants them to be put to good use: wooden cribs, mattresses, toddler beds, strollers, pack n’ plays, bouncers, walkers, and more. Call 317-462-4303 for information.
Advent service is Wednesday
GREENFIELD — An Advent prayer service is set for 7 p.m. Wednesday at Faith Lutheran Church, 200 W. McKenzie Road.
Christmas special set for Dec. 20
MOHAWK — The choir Christmas special “Discover Jesus — The Infant King!” will take place during the 6 p.m. service Dec. 20 at Grace Baptist Church in Mohawk.
Grocery shoppers can donate to pantry
CUMBERLAND — Community Outreach Ministry Eastside (COME) hopes grocery shoppers will donate at the store to help the food pantry the ministry operates out of Cumberland First Baptist Church.
Through Meijer’s holiday Simply Give campaign, shoppers can pick up a gift card near the checkout, give it to the cashier, and indicate how much they wish to donate. Donations at the Cumberland Meijer (11315 East Washington St.) will support the COME pantry. The program runs through Saturday, Jan. 2.
Eight member churches in Hancock and Marion counties form COME and also support the pantry.
Pantry leaders also encourage donating on the remaining double-match day: Saturday, Dec. 12. On that day, Meijer will double any donation you make. If you spend $10, Meijer will give $20, which results in your donation being increased to $30.
Pantry leaders point out the Simply Give program has generated more than $57 million in food donations for more than 230 food pantries in the Midwest since 2008.
COME member churches are Amity United Methodist Church in Greenfield, Cumberland Christian Church, Cumberland First Baptist Church, Cumberland United Methodist Church, Eastgate Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Indianapolis, Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Indianapolils, Mt. Comfort Church, St. John United Church of Christ in Cumberland and St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Indianapolis.
Blood drive set in McCordsville
McCORDSVILLE — A community blood drive is set for 3 to 7 p.m. Dec. 17 in the fellowship hall of McCordsville United Methodist Church, 6247 W. Broadway.
Sign up in the events tab on the “McCordsville UMC” Facebook page. Walk-in blood donors are also welcome.
‘Pack the Pantry’ happening in Fortville
FORTVILLE — Gateway Community Church of Fortville is working to “Pack the Pantry” for Main Street Food Pantry.
Donations can be set inside Door 4 at the church 125 E. Staat St., from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays, or from 9 to 10 a.m. Sundays.
Find a list of sought-after food and hygiene supplies for the pantry at https://www.gatewayfortville.org/pack-the-pantry.
