DEAR SUN SPOTS: Mexico Congregational Church, UCC, 163 Main St., will hold a special Advent service on the Sunday before Christmas, Dec. 21, at 4 p.m. 

The Rev. John Hogue will offer a sermon titled, “Thumb Island Elephants,” based on a true story from 1909, and the congregation will have the opportunity to sing many carols. Communion will also be observed. In the United Church of Christ, the communion elements are bread, including gluten-free, and grape juice, and everyone is invited to partake. All are welcome to attend this service. The 10 a.m. worship service will not be held on this date. 

Thank you for all you do, Ms. Sun Spots. — No name, Mexico

ANSWER: I was curious about this sermon title so I Googled it. I wondered what elephants had to do with a church’s Christmas celebration and the following information came up in an Amazon e-book link: “Loved by millions who heard this funny and moving short story on radio, read by Steve Burt, the clergyman known as New England’s Christmas Story Pastor, and excerpted from his collection, “Christmas Soup for the Soul.” On Christmas Eve 1909, a Barnum & Bailey circus wagon carrying elephants overturns at a railroad crossing, forcing a town to come together to save the mother elephant and baby.” 

I tell you, I learn something new nearly every day through Sun Spots! I encourage you to attend this special Christmas service to find out more! 

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Here is my recipe for tourtiere. This is very good and not complicated. You can adjust spices as you like. 

Cook 1 pound ground pork (lean or fat), 1 medium onion, chopped, and one cup water over low heat for about one and a half hours, periodically stirring and breaking up the meat until all the water is absorbed.

Add 1/8 teaspoon allspice, 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves, 1/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 2 cups mashed potatoes. Adjust seasoning as needed. 

Place filling in a pie pan lined with pastry. Place a top crust over the filling, cut vents, and bake at 450 degrees for about 20 minutes. — Irene, Auburn

ANSWER: This past Sunday, I asked readers to share their tourtiere recipes. This does sound easy. I wanted to add that you can make your tourtieres ahead of time then thaw and bake on Christmas Eve or whenever you want to serve them. Thank you, Irene! 

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