Faith Raisers

Advent series

The Greencastle Presbyterian Church will host the following advent programs from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the church, 57 W. Baltimore St., on each of the following Monday evenings:

Nov. 19 - Advent Series-Prophet: The first in a series on preparing for Christmas. The first week will focus on how prophets in the Bible spoke of Emmanuel and urged God's people to look forward in hope.

Nov. 26 - Advent Series-Shepherds: This week's focus will explore how the shepherds heard the news of Emmanuel's birth and seek inspiration from their response.

Dec. 3 - Advent Series-Angels: Our emphasis will be on how the angels came as God's messengers, announcing the coming of Emmanuel to his parents and to the whole world.

Dec. 10 - Advent Series-Magi: This evening our discussion will focus on the magi, mysterious visitors from the East, who came seeking Emmanuel- one who was born to be King of the Jews.

Dec. 17 - Advent Series-Emmanuel: Gathering round the manger to greet the long-expected one: Jesus, our Emmanuel. Thinking about home and homing and explore what it means to live in the presence of God.

All are invited.

Living Christmas tree

NEWBURG - The Green Spring-Newburg First Churches of God 60-voice choir will present the 33rd annual Living Christmas Tree at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 29, 30, Dec. 1 and 2 with an additional presentation at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2 at the Newburg First Church of God, 260 Newburg Road.

The presentation is free. A free-will offering will be accepted. For information, call 423-6279.

Elementary retreats

WILLIAMSON - Camp Joy-El will hold two back-to-back elementary retreats Nov. 30 through Dec. 2.

Designed for students in grades 3 to 6, the retreats' theme is "Exploration Island: Discovering the Fruit of the Spirit." Activities will include Bible teaching times, group games, Go-Karts, floor hockey, mini-golf, and much more. The first retreat begins Friday at 6:30 p.m. and ends Saturday at 4:30 p.m. The second retreat begins Saturday at 6:30 p.m. and ends Sunday at 4:30 p.m.

The retreat registration cost is $31.75. To receive a registration form, students can call Camp Joy El at 717-369-4539, email the camp at info@joyel.org, or log onto the camp website at: www.joyel.org to download a registration form.