First Presbyterian Church of Bemidji is holding their Second Annual Christmas Carol Community Sing-Along on Sunday, December 8, 2024 at 3 p.m. The music is all familiar sacred and secular Christmas songs. Accompanists are Darlinda Coe (organ) and Wayne Hoff (keyboard) with other possible accompanists. A big thank you to the community for a successful inaugural event last year. We hope this Sing-A-Long will deliver fun for the whole family for years to come! Cider, coffee and cookies follow. There will be a free-will offering. The church is located at 501 Minnesota Ave, Bemidji.

The Strathcona Live Nativity will be on Sunday, December 8, starting at 5:00p.m. and will cycle every 15 minutes.
This is a great event to bring the whole family out to. You will be able to remain in your car and watch the live nativity unfold. The audio will be transmitted on to your FM radio.
This year’s Live Nativity will be hosted by Guy and Marvel Strandberg – 18713 County Line Rd NE, Strathcona MN (4.75 miles east of Strathcona on County Rd 108)

In partnership with United Way of Bemidji Area and First National Bank, the Holiday Gifts for Kids program is now accepting new, unwrapped gifts for children aged newborn to 17 in our community. Donations can be dropped off at the following locations until December 9th: First National Bank (main branch only), L&M Fleet, Menards, Walgreens, Bemidji Ambulance, MJB Home Center, and the Tourist Information Center.

Registration forms for the Holiday Gifts for Kids program are now available. This program is designed for families with children aged newborn to 17 who live in Beltrami, Clearwater or Hubbard Counties. Please note that only one registration form is permitted per child/family. Gifts will be provided to children who are pre-registered and meet the program’s guidelines, which can be found on the registration form. Families can pick up and return registration forms at any of the following locations: Beltrami County Public Health (WIC) Office, Northern Dental Access Center, First National Bank (main branch only), and the Boys & Girls Club of the Bemidji Area. For your convenience, the registration form is also available online at www.unitedwaybemidji.org/holiday-gifts-kids.

**Please remember, the registration deadline is Tuesday, December 9, 2024**

Each year the United Way of Bemidji Area hosts Holiday Gifts for Kids in Bemidji in partnership with Trinity Lutheran Church in Laporte, and caring community volunteers who help organize the program. This year’s Laporte distribution is on Tuesday, December 10 from 3:30 to 6:00 PM. Bemidji Distribution is at the Sanford Center on December 12. Pre-register by Monday, December 9th. Registration forms available at www.unitedwaybemidji.org/holiday-gifts-kids, or in person at Trinity Lutheran Church Laporte and Laporte Public School.

The 7th Annual Holiday Showcase will be held Friday, December 13th, at the Clear Waters Life Center in Gonvick starting at 6 pm. A delicious Scandinavian meal of Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes & gravy, steamed carrots and tasty dessert will be accompanied by the incredible talent of the Abello family band, “Figuring it Out”! Call our office at 218-776-2789, or go online to reserve your spot today!