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As we near Christmas (I can’t belive it is so close, where did the time go?), there are still public events that are taking place to get us in the holiday spirit.  This Saturday there are a couple of events that are awesome and I hope your family can take them in.  

The folks at First United Methodist Church in Lindstrom have modified (yep there’s that word again) their super-popular Living Nativity.  You can now drive in and past the nativity in the comforts of your warm vehicle.  There will be goodies available for you and your family to enjoy while you visit the miracle of Christmas. The event runs from 6pm to 8pm. The church is located at 30828 Irene Avenue in Lindstrom.  Close to the Middle School. There will be signs on the highway.

The good folks at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Wyoming will also be holding their version of that night in Bethlehem when the world changed.  The program will run from 1 pm until 3 pm and you will also stay in your warm vehicle while viewing various stages of the manger.  They are asking that you please bring a non-perishable food item to help fill the food shelf.  St. Paul Lutheran Church is located on Wyoming Trail just east of town.

I understand that the pandemic has pushed us to the brink when it comes to wanting normalcy especially around the holidays.  But I thank God for these people and these churches for at the very least trying to make this Christmas feel like, well Christmas.  Thank you to all of the churches, the cities, the groups who have made us feel better this Christmas season!  You ARE appreciated!

As we round the corner for home on Christmas shopping, I would urge you from the bottom of my heart to please shop locally as much as possible.  These businesses in Chisago County have been through so much and our help, as little as it may seem, could be the difference-maker. We can get through this awful time, but only if we help each other.  

We recently ran pictures and a write up about the Thanksgiving meal held at Chisago Lake Lutheran Church in Center City.  In the article, is stated that over 300 meals were served.   It should have added that Trinity Lutheran Church in Lindstrom with the assistance of Deutschland Meats, were responsible for another 100 meals delivered during Thanksgiving.  Thank you all who helped make Thanksgiving such a success.

North Branch’s Chamber of Commerce and their businesses are offering some wonderful shopping experiences for your Christmas wish lists.  Participating businesses will welcome you with smiles (behind their masks of course), and while shopping you will have a chance to win prizes, while finding that special gift for your loved ones.

Thank you for reading the Press! We appreciate you!

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