Make plans to visit Little Bethlehem, a re-creation of the village where Christ was born, during the Christmas holidays. First Baptist Church of Gilbert invites everyone to see the Christmas Story.

For over 15 years, thousands of people have walked the streets and visited with the people who live and work in Little Bethlehem. Visitors have interacted with the villagers and their animals as they made their way to the manger to see the Christ child and his mother Mary.

Little Bethlehem is a free, walk-through event that takes 15 to 20 minutes. Hot chocolate or coffee and Middle Eastern flat-bread will beserved at Little Bethlehem’s Village Café after the tour.  

Little Bethlehem is at 403 Peach Festival Road. Tour dates are December 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, and 16 from 6:30 until 8:30 pm. For information, call the church at 892-3699.

Beautiful Christmas decorations are on display throughout the Gilbert-Summit Senior Center. Donna Neel, director of the center, tells us the members have been making crafts each week to decorate the center. Crafts include Christmas ornaments they have placed on the Christmas tree in the front lobby.

Neel said the members will be going Christmas shopping this week at local stores. She said they are also enjoying Christmas games like Reindeer Bingo and Christmas Mitt bingo. At the annual Christmas luncheon next week seniors will visit Saluda Shoals Park to see the Christmas lights. Other activities include a pajama party, a Christmas party, Christmas sing-a-long, exercise classes and health seminars. Director Neel invites seniors age 60 and above to join them. For information, call 892-5745.

Pond Branch United Methodist Church invites you to its Community Feast and Clothes/Coat Giveaway. The event is Dec. 8 in the gym, 11 am until 2 pm. All items are free. If you have donations, call Renee Fink at 803-317-8458.

Gilbert High School FFA is selling Christmas Poinsettias through December

18. The costs are $11 wrapped with a white bow and $8 unwrapped. These are grown in the FFA greenhouse at GHS. For info, call Derrick Cooper at 803-821-1871.

Gilbert Middle School inducted 50 7th and 9th grade students into the Junior Beta Club. Junior Beta officers Rachael Davis, Ellie Harman and Austin Waters conducted the ceremony. The guest speaker was Lyle Schulze, vice president and general manager of WIS-TV. He spoke about true success and being your best self.

GMS students in Junior Beta Club practice leadership and good citizenship in their community and school.

Birthday wishes this week go to Dennis Day, Linda Gunter, Sarah Briggs, Amy Rish, James Black, Noelle Heath, Steve Miller, Dakota Hollman, Maya Belani, Annie Kyzer, Jordan Dunbar, Joyce Taylor, Mary Carole Caughman, and Angie Sease.