Sunday, Oct. 18 saw Christmas being observed in the Ashland Advent Christian Church. People from Ashland and surrounding communities gathered to sing Christmas carols, share Christmas stories and poems, and bid on cheesecakes and pies to raise money for their “Christmas in October” mission. “Christmas in October” began as a vision of the Advent Christian Women’s Home and Foreign Mission Society. Their desire was to express love and appreciation to missionaries and their families at Christmastime.
The money is raised in October so that it can be received (by the missionaries) in December. Receiving the money makes it possible for the purchase of special foods for Christmas day, toys for the children, dental work, a mission trip, new clothes, gifts for others, etc. What the recipients do with the money is as varied as the people who receive it, but the message is clear to all … “someone cares.”
The special people involved were Cheryl Harris, who led the service, assisted by “auctioneer extraordinaire” Sheila Lyons. Poems and stories from Edna Ellis, Marion Dunham, Mac Ellis and Rhoda Thombs ranged from challenging to just plain fun. Special music was performed by Bernie Howes and Ashley Morton, as well as the Morton family, who also blessed the participants.
Our Lady of the Lake Harvest Supper
Our Lady of the Lake Church in Portage Lake will be holding its annual Harvest Supper this Sunday, Nov. 1 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. The menu will include turkey with all the fixings, and delicious homemade pies! The cost will be $8 for adults and $4 for children 12 and under. A raffle will be taking place, as well, with several prizes. The church is also seeking donations of prizes for the raffle.
Hearty Soup Luncheon with Craft and Bake Sale
There will be a Craft and Bake Sale with a soup luncheon at the Ashland Advent Christian Church Saturday, Nov. 7 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. The ladies will be selling handmade crafts and delicious baked goods. Come on out to Ashland and start your Christmas shopping. People really love receiving homemade and crafty one-of-a kind items as gifts. Plus, you’re helping to support one of our local churches.
The soup luncheon will start at 11 a.m. and go to 12:30 p.m. with a choice of fish, chicken or beef soups.
Ongoing Events
The Ashland Area Senior Citizens group meets every Thursday at noon at the Ashland Recreational Center.
The Portage Lake Over 50’s Club lunch is held on the last Tuesday of every month at 11:30 a.m. at the Town Hall. All individuals 50 and over are invited to attend and can bring a potluck dish to share. For more information, contact Wilza Robertson at 435-6211 or Grace Nason at 435-6373.
The Red Hat Loonies of Portage Lake meet the second Thursday of every month at Dean’s Motor Lodge. Membership dues are $2. For more information, contact Rachel Stevens at 435-635.
Monday Night Exercise will be held at the Portage Lake Town Hall at 6:30 p.m. every Monday. Participants can workout at their own pace/instruction. Tapes and equipment are available for your use.
Susan Feeney-Hopkins is the correspondent for Ashland, Portage Lake, Oxbow, Masardis, Garfield, Nashville Plantation and surrounding townships. She can be reached at 435-8232 or feenhop@aol.com.
