With a mission of "Peace, Service and Openness to All," Elizabethtown Church of the Brethren wants to connect with the wider community. That's the inspiration behind a Holiday Celebration, to be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 22, at the church, 777 S. Mount Joy St., Elizabethtown. People should enter at the main doors under the portico.

"This event will feature many activities for children and adults," said Sandra Brubaker, witness commission. "There will be a bake sale, chicken barbecue by Peters' BBQ available for takeout and a lunch to purchase at a nominal fee. A silent auction will be available to purchase craft items. Crafts can be purchased from SERRV International, a fair-trade organization that empowers small-scale marginal global artisans and farmers." Karen Ungemach will operate the craft table. Coffee will be available to purchase from Equal Exchange, an organization that promotes fair trade between farmers and consumers.

"Kids can craft a Christmas article or decoration as they enjoy the day, as well as purchasing small gifts in a Secret Santa area to give to parents and siblings," Brubaker said. "There will be a scavenger hunt available for kids to do from 11 to 1, and they can learn how to play bells and learn also how the church organ makes beautiful music from 10 to 11:30." A balloon artist will provide creations for kids from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

In addition to all of these activities, the event will offer hundreds of items for free, including clothes, toys, books and household items.

"Anyone can pick up items that they need and take them home," Brubaker said. "There will be some bags and boxes to use, but bringing a bag to carry things home is recommended."

The church will also provide food pouches, with ingredients and a recipe for a meal, for each family to take with them as they leave the event.

While the event is not a fundraiser, any proceeds will be used for Threads and Treads to purchase new shoes and clothing for students in need in the Elizabethtown Area School District.

"Our congregation wants this event to help our community by offering items for those in need, giving kids and parents a wholesome activity to celebrate the holidays, introducing the community to our congregation and giving them a glimpse of who we are," Brubaker shared. "This is only the second year we have offered this event, but last year far exceeded our expectations. We had many children participate in the activities mentioned above, adults mingling with other people and visiting over free coffee and an inexpensive lunch. The balloonist was a huge hit; kids loved their professionally made balloons of their favorite animal. I personally had tears of joy as I watched so many people having a wonderful time together."

Elizabethtown Church of the Brethren hosts a Sunday school program called "Faith Formation," at 9:15 a.m. for people of all ages. Adults may choose from a Bible study, a chat group and a class that has a special topic, often with a visiting speaker leading the class. The children are divided by age, with classes for preschool, elementary school, middle school and high school.

"Our congregation has three pastors that lead the congregation with thought-provoking sermons and worship services," said Brubaker, noting that worship is held at 10:30 a.m. on Sundays. "I would like people to know that this congregation is friendly, not judgmental, accepting of all. It is Scripture-based, concerned for the marginalized and vulnerable and seeks justice for those people that are unfairly treated."

For more information, visit http://www.etowncob.org or call 717-367-1000.