Donegal SERVING OUR COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
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Come to a Christmas Party
Music Connects Community at Donegal Church
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Christmas magic is coming to Mount Joy. On Saturday, Dec. 13, Santa will trade his sleigh for a fire truck as Fire Department Mount Joy escorts him through town before his annual stop at the Milanof-Schock Library, 1184 Anderson Ferry Road. Residents can follow the Mount Joy Area Chamber of
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Commerce on Facebook and Instagram for route updates, and Santa is scheduled to arrive at 11 a.m. to greet children and pose for photos until 2 p.m. We all know the real Santa is very busy this time of year, so Matthew Koch, team leader of Koch Garpstas Realty Group, will play the part for this event. “I love stepping into the role of Santa each year because it gives me a chance to give back See Santa pg 9 Santa is ready to greet families in Mount Joy.
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hen the members of Glossbrenner Church host their annual Community Christmas Party, they have a special mission in mind. “ This event is important to myself and our church family because we want the community to know that Glossbrenner exists to love and serve others,” said Jessica Rockey, children and youth director for the church. “What better way to do that than to provide an evening of fun festivities for not just families but anyone of any age who is looking for some fellowship?” T he Community Christmas Party will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13. The drop-in event will take place in the church’s fellowship hall, which is handicapped-accessible. Glossbrenner Church is located at 713 Church St., Mount Joy. Members of Glossbrenner Church are ready to serve up food at a free See Party pg 5 Community Christmas Party.
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When Debra Ronning retired from her music faculty position at Elizabethtown College, she wanted to stay connected to music. A deacon at Donegal Presbyterian Church, Ronning also wanted to contribute to her congregation. So in 2021, she created Music at Donegal, a three-concert series of free performances that are open to the public. “It has been a musical ministry outreach for the surrounding community,” Ronning said. “Having performed in many Lancaster area church concert series, it seemed like a logical outcome to start Music at Donegal. Our beautiful historical setting and lovely piano and organ were the perfect setting for performances.” Music at Donegal is held at Donegal Presbyterian Church, 1891 Donegal Springs Road, Mount Joy. Founded in 1721, Donegal Presbyterian Church shares an ancestral heritage with a church in Rathneeny, Ireland. The “witness tree” that once stood on the grounds was the spot where church members met in 1777, when George Washington sent a message asking for men to muster and travel to Philadelphia for the Revolutionary War effort. The tree had to be cut down in 1991 due to disease, but the congregation used its wood to make offering plates; bowls; bells; and more, including the organ case. While the guests vary annually, See Music pg 12
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