As people drive through the line to collect styrofoam containers of food at Gering United Methodist Church, they stop and ask Melvin Shockley to say a prayer for them, or others in their lives.
Mary Ann Shockley readies rolls for distribution during the December soup kitchen for the First Assembly of God. She and her husband, Melvin, have been heading up the soup kitchen, which is held the third Wednesday of each month, since 2004. MAUNETTE LOEKS/Star-Herald
One woman asks Melvin to pray for her as she has been experiencing depression for some time, especially now that it is the holidays. Another woman asks Melvin to pray for a relative struggling with cancer. He says he will. Fellowship is one of the reasons that Melvin became involved with the soup kitchen, seeing it as a way to serve his faith and the community. He and his wife, Mary Ann, have now been the driving force behind the First Assembly of Godâs monthly âsoup kitchenâ for 16 years.
Local church brings the Nativity scene to life
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Area churches share how they plan to celebrate Christmas
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Last spring, in the early months of the coronavirus pandemic, almost every Easter church service had been moved to some kind of virtual format. This December, things are looking pretty similar for Christmas services and celebrations. The difference is, churches are now prepared.
Local church leaders have come up with various ways to rethink the way they will do Christmas this year. From virtual caroling to grab and go meals, area faith communities are mixing new and old traditions for this unique holiday season.
Of course, many places of worship will be holding some kind of Christmas service â some the weekend before Christmas and some Christmas Eve; some entirely online, some in person.