“The trumpeters and singers joined together to praise and thank the Lord with one voice. They raised their voices, accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and musical instruments, in praise to the Lord: For He is good; His faithful love endures forever. The temple, the Lord’s temple, was filled with a cloud.” 2 Chronicles 5:13
Christmas Puppet Show
First English Baptist Church (FEBC) in Frostburg, Maryland, will have their annual puppet show at 7 p.m. on November 9 and 10. “How Mrs. Finch Almost Stole Christmas” will feature drama, music, and fun. The church will serve cookies following the show.
Ms. Finch (right) and Dalgliesh are puppet characters in the play “How Mrs. Finch Almost Stole Christmas” (Photo provided by Dr. Gerry Snelson).
The play was written by Dr. Gerry Snelson, who serves as an English professor at Frostburg State University, a deacon at FEBC, and a master puppeteer and puppet maker. FEBC Pastor David Sandvick will direct.
The storyline is about grumpy Mrs. Finch, who discovers that the true meaning of Christmas comes through knowing Jesus. It features 20 puppeteers with 50 puppets. Many other volunteers will serve backstage and with the audiovisual equipment.
Sandvick said, “The story is a twist on Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol,’ with a bunch of zany puppets telling the story.” It’s a musical production with ten songs, including “Marshmallow World,” “Baby Shark,” and “It’s All About the Cross.”
Kids are invited to stay afterward for cookies and the opportunity to meet the puppeteers and see how the puppets work.
Sandvick said, “The goal is to engage families after the show and invite them back to church.”
Coffeehouse
Canton Baptist Church, in Baltimore, Maryland, will have their “2nd Friday Coffeehouse” at 8 p.m. on November 8. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. The church will serve refreshments.
Concert
Ivan Parker, a Gaither Homecoming Artist, will be in concert at 7 p.m. on Friday, November 15, at LaVale Baptist Church in Cumberland, Maryland. “Servant’s Heart,” a southern Gospel group, will join him as special guests. Parker will also lead an old-fashioned hymn sing at Zion Community Church in Wellersburg, Pennsylvania, on November 16.
Known as “The Voice” by Bill Gaither, Parker is an award-winning vocalist in the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and is a seven-time male vocalist of the year.
Parker’s concerts will help the churches kick off the holiday season with songs from his best-selling Christmas CDs. Call 301-703-3100 for tickets. The tickets for La Vale Baptist cost $15; the tickets for Zion Community Church are $20 each.
Chili Cook-off
The youth at Marbury Baptist Church in Maryland will have a chili cook-off from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on November 16. The youth are raising money for a summer camp at Liberty University.
Men’s Monday Night
First Baptist Church of St. Charles in Waldorf, Maryland, will have “Men’s Monday Night” from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on November 11. It’s a time for men, young and old (including high school students), to get together to enjoy tailgate style food, play games, watch the NFL game on a big-screen television, and have a devotional time.
Marriage Ministry
Sharon Bible Fellowship Church in Lanham, Maryland, has a marriage enrichment ministry and hosts 7 p.m. meetings on the first Friday of each month. In addition, members Jimmy and Tracey Jennings post suggested date night sites at an ongoing blog on the church’s website.