Around the world in cookies - Christmas Flowers Poland

The holiday season brings with it a host of inevitables: You will, no matter what, forget where you stashed the wrapping paper last year. You will, every year, shake your head at the number of presents your children receive. You will cringe, unfailingly, at each January’s credit card bill.

Luckily, there are pleasantly ubiquitous traditions that are a delight to welcome back every December. For most families, holiday cookie baking is the prime example.

Each household has its classic cookies, whether gingerbread or frosted sugar or chocolate chip. But while some traditions are not to be altered, holiday baking benefits from an infusion of new recipes each year, especially when they borrow from other cultures.

At Delightful Pastries in Jefferson Park, owner Dobra Bielinski has made it her mission to stock the retro bakery cases with as many types of globally inspired cookies as she can. After a childhood spent in Poland, Vienna and South Africa, Bielinski has acquired a distinctly international approach to holiday treats.

“I think every culture has a fabulous cookie that should be included in my repertoire,” she says. “We do Czech, Hungarian, Austrian, Sicilian, French, German, Mexican and American styles at the bakery. If there is a cookie out there, I usually know about it because I’ve tried to make it.”

One of Bielinski’s perennial favorites is a Mexican wedding cookie, a simple-to-make drop cookie with holiday flavors of toasted pecans and confectioners’ sugar.

“As much as we call it a Mexican wedding cookie, it’s also a quintessentially American cookie. In Texas, California, Arizona and New Mexico, traditionally everyone had pecan trees growing,” Bielinski says. “People would make these for parties, hence the name Mexican wedding cookies.”

The recipe is a simple one for families to make together, because fun and easy tasks like rolling the dough into balls and dunking it in confectioners’ sugar are perfect ways for children to participate. The earthy, nutty flavor of the dough is complemented by the sweetness of the confectioners’ sugar, an antidote to the overly frosted and glazed cookies that line shelves around this time of year.

While baking with family can be a way to explore other cultures’ traditions, for some, ethnic recipes are all about reconnecting with one’s roots.

At Sixteen, the restaurant in the Trump Tower Chicago, pastry chef Sarah Kosikowski is used to making delicate, refined confections and desserts. When she thinks of her favorite holiday cookie, though, it’s her grandmother’s rustic chrusciki (kroo-SHEE-kee), or “angel wings,” that supply that ultimate dose of nostalgia.

“My great-grandmother lived in Detroit, and christmas flowers poland  Eve was her big party every year. If you were the lucky one to be standing in the kitchen while she was frying the chrusciki, you’d have powdered sugar all over your mouth,” Kosikowski remembers. “She would never make them ahead of time. Pierogies and other dishes, could make in advance, but not the chrusciki. It’s something I remember always eating fresh.”

The beautiful twists of dough that shape these Polish cookies must be fried in lard or other oil, then quickly tossed with confectioners’ sugar. They will last on a tray for a few hours, but are best eaten while still warm before the sugar and fried dough harden like a funnel cake.

While adults watch batches of dough crisp to a golden brown in the fryer, younger children can be enlisted to dust sugar over the dough ribbons.

Kosikowski says the cookies are a perfect marriage of traditional rusticity and holiday elegance. After all, lard is hardly a refined cooking oil, but the shape of the cookies and their delicate sweetness elevate them to a dessert worthy of serving to company or giving as a gift.

“It’s simple, but it’s an example of the Old World tradition coming back,” she says. “I am absolutely considering putting these on our christmas flowers poland blogs brunch menu at Sixteen. We’re still in the Midwest, where people love that sense of heritage and tradition.”

Whether you’re exploring other cultures’ recipes or sticking to your own family’s favorites, Bielinski says you can never go wrong by making a double batch of cookies.

“In this economy, all of us are forced to work harder for less money,” she says. “When you take the time to bake something for someone else, even after a 50- or 60-hour work week, I think that says a lot.”

Kate Bernot is a Chicago free-lance writer.

European shares climb before weekend - Christmas Flowers Poland

LONDON — European stocks firmed on Friday as investors tracked gains elsewhere and digested strong US data, but sentiment was clouded by prospects of rating downgrades for eurozone countries.

Clouds of recession hang in the background, with the latest warning from the French statistics office that France is heading for mild recession at the end of the year.

Meanwhile France pointed at what it said was the worrying state of the British economy.

Market analysts are still pondering the economic and political implications of a decision by Britain a week ago to stand aside from a new European Union architecture to tighten budget discipline.

But Poland, winding up its term as EU president, said that Britain would send experts to eurozone talks at the end of the month on new regulations.

Asian shares also followed Wall Street higher on Friday as strong US data on jobs and manufacturing and a successful Spanish bond auction the previous day tempered concerns about the eurozone debt crisis.

"A confident, but tentative, open for European markets as investors continued a reignited christmas flowers poland rally following positive data from the US yesterday, defying the notion of a European contagion diluting global growth as well as tracking Asian gains overnight," said Spreadex trader Shavaz Dhalla.

London's FTSE 100 benchmark index added 0.45 percent to 5,425.66 points and Frankfurt's DAX 30 gained 0.17 percent to 5,740.38 points.

In Paris, the CAC 40 index added just 0.06 percent to 3,000.44, after the official forecast that the French economy will fall into a brief recession in the final quarter of this year and the first quarter of 2012.

The European single currency advanced to $1.3032, compared with $1.3017 late in New York on Thursday.

Wall Street posted encouraging gains on Thursday, aided by positive data on the US jobs market, industrial activity and trade, but eurozone clouds continued to hover over the markets.

In particular, traders remained cautious as they awaited Standard & Poor's potential credit downgrade of 15 eurozone member countries -- including France and Germany -- while the IMF warned of a miserable outlook for the global economy.

"The (S&P) credit rating agency has a habit of downgrading Europeans late on a Friday night, and S&P put 15 out of 17 eurozone members on negative watch earlier this month," said Forex.com analyst Kathleen Brooks.

"If it does make the move, it would not be totally out of the blue," she added.

Market gains were also capped after ratings firm Fitch downgraded six major global banks overnight, citing increased challenges in their business and the prospect of financial turmoil ahead.

Fitch lowered the long-term ratings on Bank of America and Goldman Sachs in the United States, British bank Barclays, French bank BNP Paribas, German bank Deutsche Bank and Swiss bank Credit Suisse.

The downgrades "reflected challenges faced by the sector as a whole, rather than negative developments in idiosyncratic fundamental creditworthiness," Fitch said in a statement.

By contrast, Fitch affirmed the ratings on Morgan Stanley, Societe Generale and UBS.

The euro meanwhile held above the 11-month low of $1.2946 that was struck earlier this week on intensifying concerns over the eurozone crisis.

"The optimism in the financial markets also reflects the strong auction of Spanish debt yesterday," added economist Derek Halpenny at The Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi UFJ in London.

The result allowed the eurozone's fourth-biggest economy to distance itself from Italy, which was forced to pay record high borrowing rates in a bond sale just a day earlier.

However, International Monetary Fund managing director Christine Lagarde warned overnight that Europe's crisis was escalating and threatens every economy in the world.

"There is no economy in the world, whether low-income countries, emerging markets, middle-income countries or super-advanced economies, that will be immune to the crisis that we see not only unfolding but escalating," she said on Thursday.

With Europe's leaders still struggling after months to come up with a comprehensive fix to end the crisis, Lagarde said the resolution would involve efforts from all countries and regions.

Late on Thursday, the official INSEE statistics agency warned that France will fall into a brief recession and the government's 2012 growth target of 1.0 percent will be difficult to achieve.

INSEE said it expects France to enter a mild recession in the final quarter of this year and the first quarter of 2012 christmas flowers poland blogs .

December in the Garden - Christmas Flowers Poland

WHAT TO PLANT christmas flowers poland

Bedding plants: To add color to the winter garden, plant masses of petunias, pansies, snapdragons and shasta daisies.

Bulbs: Now is the time to plant agapanthus, amaryllis, calla lilies, Easter lilies, crocosmia, watsonia and zephyranthes outdoors for spring blooms.

Herbs: Plant herbs that thrive in cool weather. Some to try are parsley, thyme, sage, dill, fennel, garlic, comfrey and coriander.

Vegetables: Reliable cool season vegetables to plant in your winter garden this month include celery, cauliflower, lettuce, cabbage and carrots. For a spring gardens, begin preparing the garden by adding organic soil amendments and broadcast fertilizer.

WHAT TO DO christmas flowers poland blogs

Poinsettias: One of the most popular holiday plants is poinsettia. Enjoy it indoors now; then plant in the garden for re-blooming next year.

Cold protection: The average first frost is Dec. 18; use cloth covers instead of plastic for cold protection, they are better insulators of heat.

Trees and shrubs: These can be transplanted now during this less stressful time of the year.

Fungal disease: Continue monitoring for brown patch fungal disease. Limiting the application of nitrogen and irrigating at the proper time of day are good preventive measures.

Houseplants: Winter shifts the focus from outdoors to indoor plants. Temperature, light and humidity are key to ensuring that indoor plants thrive. Cut back on the fertilizer but do check for water needs and pest problems.

Soil test: Conduct your annual soil test during this time of year when the grass is dormant. Visit soilslab.ifas.ufl.edu.

Pests: While cooler weather generally means fewer pests, some populations actually increase this time of year. Routinely watch for fire ants, chinch bug infestations and nematode damage. Treat according to University of Florida-Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences recommendations (see solutionsforyourlife.ifas.ufl.edu/hot_topics/environment/identification_resources.html). Always follow the label directions of a product before applying on any plant.

Karen Stauderman is a Volusia County residential horticulture extension agent. Reach her at 3100 E. New York Ave., DeLand, FL 32724-6497, 386-822-5778 or email: kstauderman@co.volusia.fl.us.

Chunky Potato Soup With Dill

This recipe was brought over from Poland by epicurious.com's test kitchen director Ruth Cousineau's grandmother. Active time 15 minutes, total time 40 minutes; makes 6 servings

2 carrots, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

2 celery ribs, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

1 large onion, coarsely chopped

1 1/2 pound russet (baking) potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces

1/2 stick unsalted butter

4 cups water (or chicken stock)

1 cup whole milk

2 tablespoons chopped dill

Cook vegetables in butter in a 5- to 6-quart heavy pot, covered, over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until beginning to brown and stick to bottom of pot, about 15 minutes. Add water, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and simmer, covered, until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.

Transfer 3 cups soup to a blender with milk and blend until smooth (use caution when blending hot liquids). Return to pot, then stir in dill and salt and pepper to taste.

Nutritional information per serving: 199 calories, 9 g fat (6 g saturated), 28 g carbs, 4 g fiber, 4 g protein (nutritional analysis provided by Nutrition Data)

Christmas Guide: Shopping - Christmas Flowers Poland

North Bucharest is home to the first greenfield mall development in Bucharest, with special attention paid to the architecture and the landscape. Baneasa Shopping City offers a unique blend of shopping through more than 200 stores and refreshments units, with areas devoted to entertainment and leisure. The Grand Cinema Digiplex – the largest in Romania, with 13 large screens suitable for 3D projection, perfect angles of vision and an ultra-comfortable 2,600 seats – is one of the city’s newest attractions, offering a wide range of cinematic experiences under one roof. The mall’s Seasonal Offer Extravaganza is coming up this weekend, Dec 16-18, and will run until midnight. Get your gift voucher from the information desk. Holders of a Baneasa Bonus Card will get two more months’ grace period for shopping bought before Jan 8.

Off DN1. www.baneasashoppingcity.ro.

Belstaff

For those in love with the avant-garde style of Belstaff leather jackets or highly innovative waterproof materials, or perhaps the brand’s association with the Hollywood celebrities who have transformed some of its pieces into universal icons, both men and women can find the latest collections of Belstaff apparel and accessories in this downtown Bucharest mono-brand store.

Calea Victoriei 136. 10.00-20.00.

Cocor Store

The store is unique for the Romanian fashion designers’ gallery on its second floor, which currently brings together more than 30 local designers offering a variety of clothes and accessories at affordable prices and the possibility of bespoke products. Brands include: Doina Levintza, Liza Panait, Catalin Botezatu, Mihai Albu, Anca & Silvia Negulescu, Elena Perseil, Adelina Ivan, Agnes Toma, Cristian Samfira and Cristina Nichita, B-dul I.C. Bratianu 29-33. www.cocor.ro.

Dada

The epitome of a concept store. While enjoying a lunch of fusion food in the unmistakable Dada style, you can peruse or buy a Dada dress or bag at production prices. Why? Because the building’s upper floor hosts the Dada factory itself. Downtown, Dada products and other fancy labels like the local Edita Lupea and Ioana Covalcic can be found in the little shop at Piata Amzei.

Matei Voievod 94bis (restaurant/showroom), Tache Ionescu 1 (shop). www.dada.ro.

Elysee Maison Des Parfums

Located in an elegant, Ludovic style villa in Piata Lahovari, the store displays a collection of perfumes and cosmetics in three distinctive salons. A complex experience, from  Menard , the most exclusive Japanese cosmetics house to surprising new fragrances you can also access aesthetic consultancy and tailored fragrance creation services.

Strada Tache Ionescu 29. www.elyseeconcept.ro.

Idelier

On a Piata Romana corner, a Workshop of Ideas coordinated and inspired by the designer Silvia Serban occupies the ground floor of an interwar building. Before continuing to the rooms of the concept store, why not linger in the new café-bar, recline at one of the “must-see” chairs and tables over trendy cocktails or recreate the Manhattan vibe with morning coffee. Besides clothes, shoes and bags, which run from vintage to avant-garde style, the place is also popular for the young and fancy yet traditional jewelry designers such as Maria Filipescu, Roxana Davidescu and Mihaela Tarhuna.Lascar Catargiu 1. www.idelier.com.

Iqonique Class Studio

With a focus on classic, high-quality design, airy and minimal, but unselfconsciously warm and friendly, this discreet, elegant villa in the Aviatorilor area is a space where the passion for aesthetics and rules of style prevail. Choose from unique objects of interior design, gifts for the home, fashion and beauty, wine and gourmet foods and, last but not least, a selection of books and magazines dedicated to relaxation and lounge moments. The showroom presents some brands for the first time in Romania, such as Fornassetti, Ingo Maurer, Palucco, Edra, Jars Ceramics, Lara Bohinc, Uncommon Matters and Hermes Vintage.

Aleea Alexandru 7. Mon-Sat, 10.00-20.00. www.iqonique-cs.ro.

Kristina Dragomir Hats

Artistic hats are executed on frames made by the renowned UK Royal House specialists, with the finest and most exotic materials purchased in London, where the designer actually learned her craft: this is a fantasy world where women have no limits. A meeting for a unique hat made by Kristina Dragomir and a chance to hear her styling advice is available by appointment only from 18.30-21.00, Monday to Friday.

Mihail Kogalniceanu 51, 2nd floor, access code 11.

Madame Briolette

A window full of heads wearing hats, berets and caps on Magheru Boulevard heralds a store with modest interior design, but this means little given the shelves of hats waiting to be tested. Besides fur hats made in Poland or Ukraine, the multitude of felt options and classical models in many colors are created in Romania. Hand-knitted hats and shawls from Hunedoara villages and plenty of colorful leather gloves are among the many other accessories. And all at very affordable prices.

Briolette du Cinema, Magheru 29, corner with Biserica Amzei; Briolette Boutique, Ion Campineanu 12.

Musette

A classic feminine look and comfort, designed by an Italian team, is what characterizes the Romanian-based footwear brand Musette. Bags, clutches and belts, defined by color and style, are also produced under the same name. Cristhelen B is Musette’s premium brand for woman, an exclusive line produced in limited editions. For men, the Giannini line of shoes and accessories are made to the same high standards of quality and affordable prices.

Calea Victoriei 114, Baneasa Shopping City, Bucuresti-Ploiesti 26, Bucuresti Mall, Calea Vitan 55-59, Unirea Shopping Center, Piata Unirii 1, Cotroceni Park, Bd. Vasile Milea 4. office@musettegroup.ro.

Nissa

A one hundred percent Romanian apparel brand for women with a modern-classical style in keeping with the latest international trends, but a very good price/quality ratio. There is a network of shops, most of them in malls, but also a flagship store close to Piata Romana (B-dul Dacia 39, Mon-Sat 9.00-20.00, Sun 10.00-18.00).

Unirea Shopping Center, AFI Palace Cotroceni, Cora Pantelimon, Centrul Comercial Feeria-Baneasa, Centrul Comercial Orhideea.

Pierrot

Interior and garden decorations, gift ideas and christmas flowers poland decorations all under one roof. This store stocks beautiful objects, carefully put together and inspired by various traditions. They bear the names of famous interior design companies from Italy and Germany such as Wald, Shan, Hoff Interieur and Drescher, found exclusively at Pierrot. The product range is wide, from items such as porcelain from the exclusive Villar collection, inspired by the Italian baroque, to affordable products, both contemporary and traditional. The store is a rich source of gift ideas from scented candles and Swarovski crystals, to traditional christmas flowers poland blogs decorations.

Intr. Biserica Alba 1.

Sepala

The footwear brand Sepala, Mihaela Glavan’s high-end line, embraces minimalism. Shoes are simple, with well-defined cuts and cutouts. The must-have of the A/W collection are the over-the-knee boots and high platform shoes going for a sexy look in parallel with the low biker-inspired boots. Sepala Kids and RSM for men make the shopping experience one for the

family.

Benjamin Franklin 9, (Atheneum area). Mon-Fri 10.00-22.00, Sat 10.00-17.00.

The Place Concept Store

The first fashion concept store in Romania is a versatile space mixing luxury and avant-garde fashion collections with the hottest music labels, modern art exhibitions, high-tech gadgets and chic events. The on-trend labels found here include Azzedine Alaia, Oscar de la Renta, Rick Owns, Gareth Pugh, Jil Sanders, Alexander Wang and Sonia Rykiel.

Calea Dorobantilor 102-110. Mon-Fri 10.00-20.00, Sat 10.00-18.00.

Trend’s by Adina Buzatu

A touch of refinement and an interwar atmosphere grace the first boutique covering mainly men’s apparel. Shoes from Ortigni, Magnanni and Bensimon, Albert Thurston braces, Borsalino hats, an impressive collection of cufflinks and ties are all on offer. From the classic casual and elegant designs of Messagerie to the progressive Babette Wasserman, the pieces are versatile and easy to match. But if you are not sure, do not hesitate to ask the owner, who is always pleased to help style you.

Calea Victoriei 83-85 (Downtown boutique), Baneasa Shopping City, ground floor.

www.adinabuzatu.ro.

Venera Arapu

A mono-brand store with a distinctive signature on the interior design, fashion designer Venera Arapu brings a range of clothing from evening gowns to shirts and coats, all dedicated to strong and non-conformist women, yet endowed with refinement and elegance. A special surprise comes from the Vitrina pieces created and manufactured under the designer’s direct supervision by students of the Bucharest Fashion Design Faculty. 

Banu Antonache 59.

Local religion briefs - Christmas Flowers Poland

BENNINGTON -- St. Peter’s Episcopal annual church Christmas tea will be held on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 3 to 5:30 p.m. The cost will be $6. The Guild Room will be decorated with candles and greens. There will be cookies, tea sandwiches, coffee, tea and punch. Waitresses will be available to assist you.

The Christmas Shoppe will be open for small gifts such as jelly, jams and ornaments. Tickets can be purchased at the door. The church is located at 200 Pleasant St. Annual Santa Lucia Festival

ARLINGTON -- Once again, the Arlington Community and visitors are invited to share in the Santa Lucia Festival of Lights, to be held on Saturday, Dec. 10.

The day starts with holiday open houses at Arlington and Manchester inns and bed and breakfasts from noon to 4 p.m., followed by the christmas flowers poland tree and luminary lighting and community carol sing at 4 p.m. in front of the Arlington Community House. The Festival will conclude with the Santa Lucia Pageant at 5 p.m. at St. James Episcopal Church. The pageant is an annual tradition set around the story of Santa Lucia and includes carol singing, readings and pageant participation by local youth and adults.

The inn tours are $15 with proceeds benefiting the Habitat for Humanity, all other events are free to the public with a free-will offering or donation to the Arlington Area Food Shelf requested.

Both the

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Arlington Community House and Saint James Church are located on Route 7A in the center of Arlington.

For more information about the Santa Lucia Festival of Lights, call Amie at 802-375-6516 or email amie@sover.net.

Sunday, Dec. 11

The Jubellaire Ringers provide Advent music

BENNINGTON -- Ring out the bells! The Jubellaire Ringers, along with trumpet and drum, will be providing music throughout the 10 a.m. celebration of the Third Sunday in Advent at Second Congregational Church on Hillside Street.

The church will light the Candle of Joy in the Advent wreath, and children are invited to place items in the "putz" or Moravian crèche. After this Time for the Children in All of Us, children up through grade 5 are dismissed for Godly Play, and the middle- and high-school class will meet. The Rev. Mary Lee-Clark’s sermon is entitled "Comfort and Joy?" based on the readings from Isaiah and Luke’s "Magnificat." Nursery care is provided throughout worship.

A time of fellowship and refreshment for the whole church family follows in Webster Hall, with alternative giving opportunities available through Heifer Project International. Gifts for the Giving Tree for Sunrise as well as Seafarer Ditty Bag items are due this Sunday and all other Gifts for the Giving Tree are due next Sunday.

Second Congregational Church is an open and affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ, and its wheelchair-accessible building is located on Hillside Street. For more information, call the church office at 442-2559 or visit www.bennscc.org.

Third Sunday of Advent at St. Peter’s

BENNINGTON -- All are welcome to the Holy Eucharist at 8 a.m. (Rite 1, said) and 10 a.m. (Rite 2, with hymns) at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. Worship is led by the Rev. L. Paul Gratz -- transition minister; Derek Stannard -- organist/choirmaster and the Chancel Choir.

Anyone interested in participating in the choir only needs to show up at 9:05 a.m. in the chancel area for rehearsal. All are welcome!

In John’s Gospel, John the baptizer tells the priest and Levites, "I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal." This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.

St. Peter’s is an open and affirming church that respects religious inquiry and welcomes all people to the Good News of Christ’s presence and a place at His table. The church is located at 200 Pleasant St. and is wheelchair accessible.

For more information, call the parish office at 442-2911 or visit www.stpetersbenningtonvt.com.

First Baptist celebrates Third Sunday of Advent

BENNINGTON -- The First Baptist Church of Bennington welcomes the public to a celebratory day of Advent-related gatherings on Sunday.

During the 9:30 a.m. morning worship, the congregation gathers to light the third candle of Advent, which recalls the fullness of joy Christians find in this season nearing ever closer to christmas flowers poland blogs . The Rev. Jerrod H. Hugenot, coordinating minister, will offer the sermon "Witnessing Advent," exploring a portion of the lyric prologue of the book of John, the Fourth Gospel of the New Testament.

Later at 6 p.m., the congregational children offer a program exploring the familiar Nativity story through brief vignettes and singing Christmas carols. Immediately after the program, the congregation will host a potluck and enjoy fellowship time. Both morning and evening events are open to the public.

The First Baptist Church of Bennington is "a place for healing, community involvement and spiritual grounding." Located at 601 Main St., downtown, the congregation is affiliated with the American Baptist Churches/USA. To learn more, visit www.fbcbennington.org or call 442-2105.

Third Sunday of Advent observed

NORTH BENNINGTON -- The North Bennington Congregational Church welcomes all to its 11 a.m. worship service on this third Sunday of Advent, led by the Rev. Penny Rich Smith. The sermon, "Dare to Rejoice!," will be based on Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, Psalm 126 and John 1:6-8, 19-28. There will lighting of the third Advent candle and a children’s time, after which Sunday school classes will meet for pre-school through grade 8.

Following the service, everyone is invited to stay for coffee hour and a time of fellowship. The church is located at 8 Bank St. and is wheelchair accessible from the back door at the parsonage driveway. For more information, call the church office at 442-5161.

Sermon: ‘Jumping for Joy’

EAST ARLINGTON -- All are invited to the Federated Church of East Arlington on Ice Pond Road on this third Sunday of Advent as the congregation lights the pink Advent candle respresenting joy at the 10 a.m. service of worship.

Nursery care for children under 3 is available every Sunday from 9:45 to 11:15 a.m. Children 3 through 10 are invited to attend the service through the Time for Children and then go to Bailey Hall with their teachers for the children’s Sunday program.

The day’s Scripture lessons include Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, John 1:6-8, 19-28 and Psalm 126. It is the Psalm with its balance between sorrow and joy that provides the food for thought for the Rev. Kathleen Clark’s sermon, titled, "Jumping for Joy." The church will also celebrate the sacrament of Baptism with a baby girl and her family during the service. The choir will be conducted and accompanied by Music Director Mary Andrews.

Following worship, all are invited to join us for coffee hour in Bailey Hall.

All those who took a red stocking are reminded that the gifts are to be returned today to the box in the sanctuary.

The public is invited to the Interfaith Service of Remembrance at Mount Anthony Union High School in Bennington at 2 p.m., when there will be a time to pause and remember with gratitude those who have died this past year.

Senior meals are served on Tuesday and Thursday at noon. To participate in the Ride-Share Program, call the church office at 375-2548; for more information, visit www.earlingtonfedchurch.org.

The Federated Church of East Arlington maintains denominational ties with the United Church of Christ and the United Methodist Church.

Community Service of Remembrance

BENNINGTON -- The twenty-third annual Community Service of Remembrance, sponsored by Hanson-Walbridge Funeral Home and VNA & Hospice of SVHC, will be held on Sunday, Dec. 11, beginning at 2 p.m., at Mount Anthony Union High School, 301 Park St.

The interfaith service honors the memory of loved ones in our community and includes candle lighting and placing of doves on the memory tree by friends and family members in attendance. In announcing this service, Mark and Lisa Shea, owners of Hanson-Walbridge, said, "We encourage anyone who has experienced the loss of someone special to attend the service and pay tribute to their memory."

Area clergy will be participating in the service and special music will be performed by local musicians.

There is no cost to attend the service or to have a dove placed on the tree in memory of a loved one. All attending are invited to join us immediately following the remembrance service for a time of fellowship and refreshment.

Support, ideas and suggestions will be provided, as well as laughter and refreshments.

For further information, call Shea Family Funeral Homes at 802-442- 4329 or VNA & Hospice at 802-442-5502.

Evensong with Advent Lessons and Carols

ARLINGTON -- At 4 p.m., there will be a special service of Evensong with Advent Lessons and Carols at St. James Episcopal Church. This is a quiet, reflective service of readings and traditional Advent carols.

The music and readings reflect the message of expectation and hope that characterize the season of Advent and anticipate the miracle of the birth of Christ. Following the service, there will be an informal talk to introduce the 2011 exhibition of "Los Nacimientos," a display of more than 50 nativity scenes reflecting the art and culture of Mexico, Brazil, Spain, Peru, Ecuador, Canada (Inuit and Anglo), England, Italy, China, Portugal, Germany, Poland, the United States and even the Vatican. The nativities are made from papier maché, ceramic, straw, bamboo, stained glass and many other interesting materials. All are welcome.

"Los Nacimientos" are available for public viewing each week throughout the Advent and Christmas seasons (Now until Jan, 6, 2012) as listed: Sundays - before and after the 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. worship services; Monday through Thursday - 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 10, before and after the St. Lucia Festival at 5 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 11, before and after the Advent Lessons and Carols Evensong at 4 p.m.; Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, before and after the 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. services; Christmas Day, Dec. 25, before and after the 10 a.m. service.

For more information about these events or any other services at St. James’ Episcopal Church, call 375-9952; send an e-mail to stjamesparishoffice@gmail.com; or visit the church website at www.stjamearlingtonvt.org.

Upcoming

Advent Lessons and Carols

BENNINGTON -- A Service of Lessons and Carols for the Fourth Sunday of Advent will be offered at Sacred Heart Saint Francis de Sales Church, 238 West Main St., on Sunday, Dec. 18, at 5 p.m. Old Testament Scripture will be interspersed with music of Johann Sebastian Bach, Italian and English Renaissance composers Giovanni de Palestrina and Thomas Ravenscroft, respectively, and modern composers Alfred Burt and Thomas Savoy.

The service will begin in darkness with the chanting of Matins, the first prayer of the Roman Catholic Liturgy of the Hours, and end with the singing of the Rorate Caeli, which is a hymn used in the Mass and Divine Office of the Roman Catholic Church on the last Sunday of Advent. Its text, "Drop down dew, ye heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain down the Just One," is a plea from all who long for the coming of Christ. The public is welcome to attend. All facilities are accessible to those with disabilities, and convenient parking is available.

Worship and activities at Whiteside Church

CENTER CAMBRIDGE, N.Y. -- The choir at The Whiteside Church will present the cantata " Down From His Glory" on Sunday, Dec. 18, at the 11 a.m. worship service, under the direction of Fred Lucrezio. Pastor Cal Witham is bringing a series of messages on the names given to the Lord Jesus Christ and their meanings.

He invites those whose church does not have a Christmas eve service to the Whiteside Church Christmas eve, Dec. 24, at 7 p.m. There will be lots of special music and congregational singing with Fred Lucrezio at the grand piano and Roselyn Litwin at the Hammond organ.

Each Lord’s Day there are Bible classes for all ages at 10 a m., with Lenny Proch teaching the book of Nehemiah to the adult class. Wednesday nights at 7 p.m. there is Bible study and prayer -- Thom Litwin is now giving an in-depth study on the book of Genesis.

The public is cordially invited to any and all services

s de S� o h �' �- West Main St., on Sunday, Dec. 18, at 5 p.m. Old Testament Scripture will be interspersed with music of Johann Sebastian Bach, Italian and English Renaissance composers Giovanni de Palestrina and Thomas Ravenscroft, respectively, and modern composers Alfred Burt and Thomas Savoy.

The service will begin in darkness with the chanting of Matins, the first prayer of the Roman Catholic Liturgy of the Hours, and end with the singing of the Rorate Caeli, which is a hymn used in the Mass and Divine Office of the Roman Catholic Church on the last Sunday of Advent. Its text, "Drop down dew, ye heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain down the Just One," is a plea from all who long for the coming of Christ. The public is welcome to attend. All facilities are accessible to those with disabilities, and convenient parking is available.

Worship and activities at Whiteside Church

CENTER CAMBRIDGE, N.Y. -- The choir at The Whiteside Church will present the cantata " Down From His Glory" on Sunday, Dec. 18, at the 11 a.m. worship service, under the direction of Fred Lucrezio. Pastor Cal Witham is bringing a series of messages on the names given to the Lord Jesus Christ and their meanings.

He invites those whose church does not have a Christmas eve service to the Whiteside Church Christmas eve, Dec. 24, at 7 p.m. There will be lots of special music and congregational singing with Fred Lucrezio at the grand piano and Roselyn Litwin at the Hammond organ.

Each Lord’s Day there are Bible classes for all ages at 10 a m., with Lenny Proch teaching the book of Nehemiah to the adult class. Wednesday nights at 7 p.m. there is Bible study and prayer -- Thom Litwin is now giving an in-depth study on the book of Genesis.

The public is cordially invited to any and all services