Christmas cantata

FARMINGTON – Community singers from around Franklin County presented a cantata, “Near to the Heart of God,” Sunday at Fairbanks Union Church, Farmington, and at the Strong United Methodist Church.

The cantata, which presented the Christmas story through narrative and music, was under the direction of Bea Milewski of Strong. Accompanist was David Hovey of Skowhegan and narrators were Judy and John Dill of Kingfield. Soloists were Charles Milewski of Strong and Luci Pangelinan of West Farmington.

For more than 30 years, it has been given each year as a Christmas gift to the community. There was no charge, and all were invited to attend and receive a special Christmas blessing.

Band concerts

SALEM – The Mt. Abram High School Band will travel to each school in the district today to present a program of Christmas music for children and staff. Residents are invited to attend. The times are Stratton 9 a.m., Kingfield 10:15 a.m. and Phillips 1 p.m.

The band will play at the Strong Elementary School at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday Dec. 20. Community members are invited on that day as well.

Christmas meal

PARIS – A group of friends and neighbors are offering a free Christmas dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 25, at the First Congregational Church, South Paris.

Takeout meals will be available. First Congregational is located at 17 East Main St., across from the Fox School. The church is handicapped-accessible.

Holiday dinner

PARIS – A free Christmas Day community dinner will be served at 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 25, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 34 Buckfield Road in South Paris. Following the meal, an informal worship service will be held at 3 p.m. Call 743-6906 and leave a message with name and number attending. Space is limited and transportation will be available.

Society party

WOODSTOCK – Woodstock Historical Society members held a potluck supper and Christmas party at the December meeting. Candles and a moose figurine were given as the mystery package. The business meeting was brief, but plans are under way to get T-shirts to sell next summer.

Church program

RUMFORD – Rumford United Methodist Church will hold a special program, “The Longest Night: A Service of Light in the Midst of Darkness,” at 7 p.m. Thursday at the church on Linnell Street.

The church will offer a quiet, meditative worship service that makes time for remembering, time for sharing and time for preparing for the coming of Christ.

The public is welcome for a time of special music, scripture, stories, silence, reflection and healing prayer. The sanctuary will be filled with candles and soft music.

Fashion show

RUMFORD – A Winter Wonderland Fashion Show will take place at 11:45 a.m. Friday at the What Not Shop, 85 Lincoln Ave. Outfits will be worn by participants, staff, family and What Not Shop customers. All are welcome.

Club to meet

MEXICO – The Mexico Trail Blazers Snowmobile Club will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Mexico Town Hall.

Class lunch

MEXICO – Stephens High School Class of 1954 will meet for lunch at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at Dick’s Restaurant.

Holiday party

RUMFORD – SeniorsPlus will host a holiday party at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 21, at the SeniorsPlus Dining Center, 50 Congress St.

The menu will feature baked ham, potato, peas, rolls, apple crisp and beverage. A donation of $3.50 is requested of those 60 and over, their spouses and people with disabilities. A $4 donation is asked of those under 60.

There will be a 50/50 raffle, gifts and Santa will arrive at 11 a.m. For reservations or more information, call Lynn at 364-3572.

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