1 Corinthians 9:24-27 24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.

I admit that Christmas is often not my favorite season. As a pastor, sometimes Christmas is something to be survived rather than celebrated. My family has always considered cynicism as one of our spiritual gifts, and our attitudes about Christmas reflect that.

Pastor Anita VanBuskirk is inviting everyone to Kenton Full Gospel Church, 129 N. Wayne St., this Sunday, Dec. 24 at 10:30 a.m. as they celebrate “the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ!” Everyone will be receiving a gift and children will receive stockings filled with candy and toys right after the morning service.

Like many my age, I remember the days when Sundays were for worship and family days. The only stores that were open sold the basic essentials like bread and milk.

BLUFFTON — First Mennonite Church, 101 S. Jackson St., Bluffton, invites all to attend an Evening Song and Prayer service in the church fellowship hall on Wednesday, Nov. 29 at 8:15 p.m.

ADA — The Presbyterian Women's Guild of Ada will again be holding their Soup and Salad Supper along with the Christmas Auction on Tuesday, Dec. 5 at 5:30 p.m. A variety of eight soups will be available along with salads and desserts for a suggested donation of $6 for adults and $3 for children ages 3-12.

In the 1980s, during my first four years in ministry, I learned to expect a little pre-Christmas ritual. A lady named Florence, who had been widowed for many years, would bring two wrapped packages to the church office.

Kenton Full Gospel Church Bread of Life Food Pantry will have a change in food distribution times in November and December due to the holidays. The large distribution is usually on the fourth Tuesday, but during the holiday season, it will be on the third Tuesday.

The churches of the Dola-Dunkirk area are presenting a Community Thanksgiving Gathering at 7 p.m. on Sunday at the Hardin Northern Community Center on Main Street in Dunkirk. There will be a selection of seasonal music offered by the community choir, along with a timely message and other reminders of the Thanksgiving season.

I have a bit of a hobby/obsession. I love wristwatches. I have quite the collection. I love to wear a watch.