Elizabethtown SERVING OUR COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
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A Sanctuary Renewed, Tradition Preserved BY CAT SHANNON
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“ We didn’t want to destroy the architectural integrity of the church,” she noted. “We kept the structure, the ceiling, the stainedglass windows. It’s a beautiful
sanctuary, and we wanted to be sure we kept that.” According to Phil Clark, former facilities manager and church historian, the church was constructed
Merry Grinchmas Will Bring Seasonal Magic
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Who says the Grinch’s heart is two sizes too small? When he joins Santa in downtown Elizabethtown for the Merry Grinchmas Tree Lighting, you’ll see that even the green guy can spread plenty of Christmas cheer. Merry Grinchmas will take place on Thursday, Nov. 20,
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from 4 to 8 p.m. in downtown Elizabethtown. The celebration promises small-town magic and Whovillesize joy for people of all ages, said Clint Gibble of LIV-ETown. “There will be free trolley rides of downtown provided by Stone Gables Estate, a coloring contest hosted by Mars Wrigley, free cookie decorating by the Free Masons of Abraham C. Treichler People enjoy a previous year’s
See Grinchmas pg 8 Merry Grinchmas celebration.
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Pastors Jerry Kliner (left) and A.J. Domines in the renovated sanctuary.
See Sanctuary pg 3
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hen people walk into the newly renovated sanctuary at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, they inevitably have the same reaction, said church member Cammy Anderson. “So many people say, ‘Wow, you enlarged the space. It’s bigger,’ which of course it isn’t,” she said of the sanctuary, which has been updated without changing the original footprint of the space. “It’s so much more open and airy now. It just looks bigger.” The church, located at 125 E. High St., Elizabethtown, began the renovations in June and the project finished in September, but the concept of the changes began much earlier. “We started a task force committee in April of 2022,” Anderson said. “We met several times to decide what to keep and what needed to change.” A major focus of the renovation? Honoring the past.
VOL LXVI • NO 40
Spreading Holiday Cheer BY CAT SHANNON
With a mission of “Peace, Service and Openness to All,” Elizabethtown Church of the Brethren wants to connect with the wider community. That’s the inspiration behind a Holiday Celebration, to be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 22, at the church, 777 S. Mount Joy St., Elizabethtown. People should enter at the main doors under the portico. “This event will feature many activities for children and adults,” said Sandra Brubaker, witness commission. “There will be a bake sale, chicken barbecue by Peters’ BBQ available for takeout and a lunch to purchase at a nominal fee. A silent auction will be available to purchase craft items. Crafts can be purchased from SERRV International, a fair-trade organization that empowers small-scale marginal global artisans and farmers.” Karen Ungemach will operate the craft table. Coffee will be available to purchase from Equal Exchange, an organization that promotes fair trade between farmers and consumers. “Kids can craft a Christmas article or decoration as they enjoy the day, as well as purchasing small gifts in a Secret Santa area to give to parents and siblings,” Brubaker said. “There will be a scavenger hunt available for kids to do from 11 to 1, and they can learn how to play bells and learn also how the church organ makes beautiful music from 10 to 11:30.” A balloon artist will provide creations for kids from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. In addition to all of these activities, the event will offer hundreds of items for free, including clothes, toys, books and household items. See Cheer pg 4
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