Community briefs
Blue Christmas service
Recognizing that the Christmas season for some can be a time of sadness Central Christian Church is holding a Blue Christmas service.
The service recognizes the loss and loneliness that can be felt during the holidays due to death, sickness, poverty, or abuse. The service is Sunday, Dec. 18 at 4 p.m. at the church, located at the corner of Second Avenue East and Third Street East in Kalispell.
The service is designed to enable individuals to experience their grief, as well as express what they are feeling, so they can find a sense of calm and hope. The acknowledgment of grief during this time of year can provide space for healing and hope, the church says.
This is the first year the church has hosted a Blue Service it says because it chooses to hold space for those grieving during the holidays.
The service will include silence, prayer, singing, Scripture readings, Holy Communion, and lighting of candles. Childcare will be available and refreshments will be served in the narthex following the service.
The church will also hold more traditional services with a Christmas Eve candlelight service at 5:30 p.m. and Christmas brunch and service on Dec. 25 at 10:30 a.m.
Holiday market in Whitefish
The Crafty Women Holiday Market will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 10 at the Whitefish Community Center, 121 Second Street E. The market will feature locally-made arts and crafts; and it will have a bake sale benefitting Soroptomist of Whitefish, a nonprofit global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. The Soroptomists will also have decorations and holiday items for sale that have been donated to the Thrift Haus.
Evergreen holiday gathering
Evergreen Chamber of Commerce Holiday Gathering will be Dec. 8 at the Hilton Garden Inn, Kalispell. Social hour and silent auction will be at 5 p.m. and dinner will be at 6 p.m. Holiday season, future achievements, and past honors will be celebrated. Cost is two tickets for $150 and single ticket for $80. Other sponsorship packages available. Register by phone 406-885-1212, email director@evergreencofc.com, or online at evergreencofc.com.
Free meals
Community Kitchen-Feeding the Flathead offers the following free meals in Kalispell during December. All meals are served at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted and everyone is welcome.
Central Christian Church, 248 Second Ave. E. — Dec. 1, 6, 13, 17, 20, 27, 28, 31
Calvary Lutheran Church, 2200 U.S. 2 E. — Dec. 5, 12, 19, 26
Samaritan House Auxiliary Center, 111 Second St. W. — Dec. 3, 10
First Presbyterian Church, 540 S. Main St. — Dec. 8, 15, 22, 29
Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 603 S. Main St. — Dec. 12,19, 25, 26
Adventure Church, Fourth Street West and Second Avenue West — Dec. 5, 30
Hungry Horse Elementary School — Dec. 29, 5:30 p.m.
St. Richard Catholic Church, 1210 Ninth St. W., Columbia Falls — Dec. 30, 31, 5 p.m.
Epworth United Methodist Church — Dec. 24
Klothes Kloset Christmas store
The Klothes Kloset Thrift Store, operated by Church Women United of Columbia Falls, opens its "Christmas Store" Dec. 6 and 8 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Only cash or checks for purchases will be accepted.
The Klothes Kloset is located at 286 Nucleus Ave. in Columbia Falls and is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The phone number is 406-892-4534, Profits are donated to local nonprofit organizations.