December in Bluffton - something for everyone

The community of Bluffton invites its residents and residents from surrounding communities to village to visit Bluffton in December. Many events are planned. Here's the schedule of events, which also include Pandora activities:

Nightly now through Jan. 1:
o Ream holiday folk art display until 11 p.m., Presbyterian church law
o The Gift of Giving light show extravaganza, until 11 p.m., East College Avenue, across from Harmon Field Stadium

Dec. 1-2
University one-act plays in Ramseyer Auditorium, 7:30 p.m. each night. General admission is $1; all tickets can be purchased at the door.

The directors and plays include:
oSarah Diller of Bluffton, directing "Outcome"
oJosh Carter of Holland, directing "An Interview"
oKait Crawford of Elmore, directing "The Office"
oLibby Julien of North Baltimore, Ohio, directing "After"
oAaron Yost of Pinetop, Ariz., directing "On the Porch One Crisp Spring Morning"
oScott Troyer of Sugarcreek, directing "Precipice"
o Kim Rupert of Ottawa, directing "Solomon"

Dec. 3-11-18
Baptist Church live nativity, 7 to 9 p.m., church parking lot, 345 County Line Road.

Dec. 3-4
Grace Mennonite, Pandora, book sale, at the church. Faith and Life Books and Gifts, Berne, Ind., will bring an array of books, CDs, devotionals and many other items to sell. Hours are 6:30 to 9 p.m., Friday, Dec. 3, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 4.

Dec. 4
The first-ever Christmas in Pandora craft show is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 4, in Parsons Auto Service showroom, 920 Basinger Road. For more information,visitwww.ChristmasinPandora.blogspot.com

Dec. 5
Tree of remembrance service at The Centre. Sponsored by Chiles-Laman Funeral and Cremation Services, the event includes a tree of remembrance memorial service. At 4 p.m. Rev. Jerry Lewis will provide a brief memorial service. There is no charge to attend, however a reservation is requested. Persons may call the funeral home at 419-358-2051 or e-mail [email protected].

Dec. 4-11-18
Music at the public library - Bluffton Public Library will feature local musicians playing on its main level. Music will be played on Saturday, Dec. 4, from 11 am.-12:30 p.m., Dec. 11 from noon-1 p.m. and Dec. 18 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Refreshments will be provided by the Bluffton Friends of the Library. ^aEUR"In addition to the music, Santa Claus will visit the library on Saturday, Dec. 11, from 11-1 p.m.

Parents are invited to bring their children to decorate Christmas cookies, do a make-and-take craft and hear Santa read a story.

Dec. 4
First United Methodist Church Santa's Sweets and Treats. The event is in the church Fellowship Hall.

o A bake sale will be held from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
o Lunch will be served from 11a.m. - 1 p.m.^aEUR" On the menu will be homemade soups (chicken noodle, chili, and vegetable), sandwiches (chicken, BBQ beef, hot dogs, and coneys), dessert (ice cream sundaes), and beverages (coffee,^aEUR"hot spiced cider, punch, and hot chocolate).^aEUR"

All proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society Relay for Life and Bluffton First UMC.

Dec. 5
St. John's United Church of Christ - Old Millstream (Findlay) handbell concert. The concert is at 7 p.m. A free will offering will be accepted.

Dec. 5
University Christmas Choral Concert: "A Festival of Lessons and Carols," 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Yoder Recital Hall. Order tickets online at http://tickets.bluffton.edu or contact the box office at 419-358-3239 or [email protected].

Dec. 6
Middle school concert, 7:30 p.m., cafetorium

Dec. 7
University Forum: "Mosiman Music Magic," 11 a.m., Yoder Recital Hall

Dec. 8
Senior citizens breakfast at the Bluffton Middle School cafetorium, 8:30 a.m. Entertainment is provided by the Bluffton High School choirs.

Dec. 11
Swiss Community Historical Society, Christmas open house, Schumacher homestead, Bixel Road, times to be announced

Dec. 12
Bluffton University's 115th performance of Handel's "Messiah," 4 p.m., Founders Hall. Soloists are Kristin Sims, soprano; Mary Stucky, alto; Hal Hess, tenor; and Tom Sherwood, bass.

Dec. 13
Elementary all-school concert, BHS gym, 1:30 p.m.

Dec. 13
Middle school concert; choir, 6 p.m.; band, in MS cafetorium, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 18
Pandora 5K, Jingle Jog, Pandora Missionary Church, 9 a.m.

Dec. 20
High school concert, choir 6 p.m.; band, in MS cafetorium, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 21
Bluffton Area Ministerial Association's 7 p.m. Longest Night Service, at Emmanuel United Church of Christ.

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