Bethlehem, NC – Join with Mt. Pisgah Lutheran, Mt. Pisgah AME, and Unity Lutheran Churches as they celebrate Thanksgiving in an Ecumenical event open to all. A free Community feast will be followed by a service of Thanksgiving. All are welcome. The Thanksgiving Dinner and Ecumenical Service will be held on Sunday, November 18, with dinner at 5:15pm. The service starts at 6:30pm, and will end at approximately 7:30pm. Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church ELCA, 9379 Hwy 127 N, Hickory, NC 28601. Tel: 828.495.8251. Email: [email protected], Website: mtpisgahelca.org.

Exciting plans are coming together for the lighting of the new Bethlehem Star, a free event occurring on the Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church campus. The lighting will be Saturday, December 1, with a Hot Dog Dinner at 6:30pm and the festivities starting at 7pm. The event conclude at 8:30pm. Community residents and visitors will be invited to gather around bonfires near the star. Pastor David Ross of Fellowship Advent Christian Church will read the Christmas story and members of his church will provide the live nativity, including animals. A Community Choir led by Donna Reid and composed of members from various churches in Bethlehem will sing several songs including “Beautiful Star of Bethlehem.” Hot chocolate will be served by Boy Scout Troop 275. Girl Scout Troop 12905 will assist.

A second exciting feature of this year’s event will be a performance by the award-winning professional gospel singing group, the Pathfinders of Mt Holly, NC. The group has performed at many churches throughout the southeast, at Dollywood, and other venues. This performance will immediately follow the Lighting of the Star. This program will provide a variety of Christmas themed religious songs. The address and contact information is the same as the first event.

Finally, Mt. Pisgah presents the in a Candlelight Concert for the holiday season. Everyone is welcome, free admission with a reception to follow. A free will offering to benefit Alexander County Foster Care.

The concert is Sunday, December 9, 7pm to 8:30pm, and is Co-hosted with Unity Lutheran Church.

LRU’s A Cappella Choir