Christmas Through the Years
First Norwood Mennonite Church is hosting Christmas Through the Years on December 20th at 7pm and December 21st at 8:30pm. Christmas Through the Year is a special Christmas puppet show with songs that share the true meaning of Christmas! Tickets are $5 for adults and children under 12 are free. The church is located at 6605 W Jones Rd in Peoria. For more information, call 309-673-3026.
Candlelight Christmas Eve Service
Join Grace Presbyterian Church for their special candlelight Christmas Eve service at 4pm in the sanctuary. All ages are invited to join as they sing Christmas carols and hear the Christmas story. The church is located at 8607 State Rt 91 in Peoria. For questions and more information, call 309-693-3641.
Family Christmas Eve Service
Bethany Community Church’s Family Christmas Eve Service will be held from 6-7pm. Join them for a family worship service to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. There will be no childcare provided, but rooms will be open for those who need them. Bethany Community is located at 27577 Dutch Ln in Washington. You can get more information by calling 309-508-1755.
Perspectives
A Perspectives class is coming to Bethany Community Church in January! Perspectives is a 15 week class that will change the way you view the world around you. In it, you will have your eyes opened to the heart and purpose of God, and how you can take part in His work all over the world, from the urban streets of America to the rain forest and deserts of distant lands. Whether you are single, married, a student, a homemaker, a professional or retired, Perspectives will bless and challenge your life and direction. The class will be held from 6:15-9pm every Monday from January 20th to May 5th. For pricing, registration, and more information, visit https://bethanycommunitychurch.churchcenter.com/calendar/event/168723758.
Night in a Car
Did you know that a hidden aspect of homelessness that many in our community experience is living in their cars? Imagine your only shelter was your car. How would you survive? Home Sweet Home Ministries challenges you to find out during their annual “Night in a Car” on Friday, February 7th. They are encouraging individuals, families, youth groups, and more to participate in this unique homelessness simulation. Participants will “live” out of their cars during the overnight hours from 7pm to 7am. You have the option to drive-in and join others at Trinity Lutheran Church in Bloomington or you can choose to zoom-in and join online from the convenience of your own driveway. To find out more about the challenge and to sign up to participate, visit nightinacar.org.
Valentine's Banquet
Mark your calendars for Grace Presbyterian’s Valentine’s Banquet on February 8th. Invest in your marriage and enjoy a wonderful, romantic evening with Kerry & Nancy Frantz as the guest speakers. Tickets are $80 per couple or tables of 10 may be purchased for $400 for pre-arranged seating. The banquet will be held at the Peoria Country Club and will begin at 6pm. Registration closes January 28th or when all tickets have sold, so make sure to purchase your tickets soon! For more information and to register, visit www.gracepres.org/valentine.
Live Nativity
Join Calvary Baptist Church under the stars as they present a live nativity entitled “Jesus Christ…the Promise”. Be a part of the miracle of Christ’s birth, the shepherds, the wisemen, while giving praise to God for His special gift to mankind. There will be two free performances on December 20th at 7pm and 8:30pm. The church is located at 1028 W Cloverdale Rd in Chillicothe. Call 309-274-4343 to find out more.
An American Family Christmas
Join the Peoria Area Civic Chorale for “An American Family Christmas” on December 13th and 14th at 7:30pm and December 15th at 1:30pm at Five Points Washington. This will be Conductor Dr. Joseph D. Henry’s final Christmas performance before retirement. The concert will feature modern arrangements of Christmas favorites. There will be special musical guests and special appearances from Rudolph, Santa, and Mrs. Claus, with photo opportunities available during intermission. A cake reception will follow the Friday and Saturday evening performances. Tickets are $25 for adults, $10 for students, and children under 12 are free. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 309-693-6725 or visit www.peoriacivicchorale.org.
An American Family Christmas
Join the Peoria Area Civic Chorale for “An American Family Christmas” on December 13th and 14th at 7:30pm and December 15th at 1:30pm at Five Points Washington. This will be Conductor Dr. Joseph D. Henry’s final Christmas performance before retirement. The concert will feature modern arrangements of Christmas favorites. There will be special musical guests and special appearances from Rudolph, Santa, and Mrs. Claus, with photo opportunities available during intermission. A cake reception will follow the Friday and Saturday evening performances. Tickets are $25 for adults, $10 for students, and children under 12 are free. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 309-693-6725 or visit www.peoriacivicchorale.org.
Cookie Walk
Attention, cookie lovers and holiday enthusiasts! Downs United Methodist Church is hosting its Annual Cookie Walk on Saturday, December 14th, at their new building at 205 S Highway Ave in Downs! The doors will open at 9am. Cookie options will range from classic chocolate chip to sugar cookies, snickerdoodles, and of course, some mystery flavors as well. Make sure to get there early so you don’t miss out on your favorite cookies! For more information, call 309-378-2651.
An American Family Christmas
Join the Peoria Area Civic Chorale for “An American Family Christmas” on December 13th and 14th at 7:30pm and December 15th at 1:30pm at Five Points Washington. This will be Conductor Dr. Joseph D. Henry’s final Christmas performance before retirement. The concert will feature modern arrangements of Christmas favorites. There will be special musical guests and special appearances from Rudolph, Santa, and Mrs. Claus, with photo opportunities available during intermission. A cake reception will follow the Friday and Saturday evening performances. Tickets are $25 for adults, $10 for students, and children under 12 are free. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 309-693-6725 or visit www.peoriacivicchorale.org.
A Christmas Celebration with The Lesters
You’re invited to a Christmas Celebration with Southern Gospel group The Lesters on December 13th at 7:00pm at Cross Pointe Church of God in Bloomington. This is a free event and a love offering will be received. For more information call 309-827-2406 or visit thelesters.com.
Steven Curtis Chapman: Acoustic Christmas
Mark your calendars for Steven Curtis Chapman: Acoustic Christmas coming to Bloomington this December! The most awarded artist in Christian music history, Steven Curtis Chapman will be live at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts on Tuesday, December 10th. In a career that has spanned more than three decades, Steven Curtis Chapman has garnered 59 GMA Dove Awards, five Grammy Awards, an American Music Award, and a historic 50 No. 1 singles. The concert will begin at 7pm and tickets start at $39. Tickets can be purchase at www.artsblooming.org.
Piano Christmas Concert
Tri-Valley Baptist Church will host a Piano Christmas Concert at 3pm on Sunday, December 8th. Well-known Central Illinois pianist David Horine will be presenting Christmas hymns and carols in his unique style. There is no cost to attend, and everyone is welcome to enjoy holiday refreshments after the concert. Tri-Valley Baptist Church is located at 8385 N 1900 East Rd in Bloomington. For more information, go to gospel66.com/events.
Christmas Party Workshop
Child Evangelism Fellowship is hosting a Christmas Party Workshop on Thursday, December 5th from 6-8:30pm. This workshop is a special training geared towards learning how to share the Gospel with boys and girls this Christmas season! The workshop will be held at the CEF office, located at 708 E Archer Ave in Peoria. For more information and to reserve your spot, call Jill at 309-303-1610.
Christmas in the Country
GospelFest Ministries is excited to present Christmas in the County, featuring Shawn Degenhart and the GospelFest Singers! The concert will take place on November 30th at 7pm at Five Points Washington. Doors will open at 6:15 and while there is no cost to attend, a love offering will be taken. Visit gospelfestministries.com for more information.
Betsy's Flag
Peoria Co-Op Academy is excited to present Betsy’s Flag, a captivating play that brings to life the extraordinary story of Betsy Ross. Witness her remarkable journey through the Revolutionary War and British occupation of Philadelphia. The production paints a vivid portrait of a strong woman and her survival during a pivotal time in American history. Don’t miss an unforgettable evening of inspiration, education, and entertainment on Thursday, November 21st at 7pm, or on Friday, November 22nd at either 2pm or 7pm. The performances will take place at Calvary Baptist Church, located at 2200 W Nebraska Ave in Peoria. There is no cost attend, but donations are welcome and will go towards the fine arts program at Peoria Co-Op Academy.
Q & A with ICHE & Kirk Smith on legislation affecting homeschooling
This livestream is a follow up to the HSLDA “State of the Union” live stream on Nov. 18.
State of Homeschooling Address - Threats to Homeschooling
The Peoria Area Association of Christian Homeschoolers is hosting a live stream of a “State of the Union” address from the Home School Legal Defense Association. The address will address a legislative proposal called “Make Homeschool Safe Act.” The proposal opens the door to government regulation in home education.
There is no cost to watch, and the presentation will NOT be available to view afterward.
There will be a follow up Q & A time with ICHE Executive Director Kirk Smith on Wednesday, November 20 at the same time. This will not be recorded either.
Livestream link: https://streamyard.com/watch/hRupUaBZsK3T
Light House Academy Benefit Concert with The Kramers & Greater Vision
Light House Academy is hosting a benefit concert on Thursday, November 7th to help support their elementary and middle school students. The concert will feature The Kramer’s and Greater Vision. The benefit concert will begin at 6pm and is being held at Crossroads Methodist Church in Washington. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased by visiting lhouseacademy.org.
Call 309-691-3242 for more information.
Heritage Bazaar
Wesley United Methodist Church in Canton is hosting a Heritage Bazaar on Saturday, November 2nd from 8am-1pm. There will be coffee cakes, soups, baked goods, books, crafts, holiday items, and much more. All proceeds from the event will go towards local and international missions. The church is located at 120 N Ave A in Canton. To learn more, call 309-647-1015.
Harvest Walk
Grace Presbyterian Church will host a Harvest Walk on Saturday, October 26th from 2:30-5pm. There’ll be games, prizes, candy, and fun for the whole family! Come dressed in your favorite family-friendly costume and bring your friends! There will also be an opportunity for a family photo. The church is located at 8607 State Rt 91 in Peoria. Visit www.gracepres.org for more information.
Holiday Craft, Vendor, and Food Festival
Join Bay View Baptist Church for a Holiday Craft, Vendor, and Food Festival on October 26th! Enjoy a free continental breakfast, great vendor booths, incredible food, and more! There will also be free pie giveaways every hour! The event will be held from 9am-2pm. Bay View Baptist Church is located at 22648 Grosenbach Rd in Washington. To find out more, call 309-698-2000.
Brandon Lake Concert
After an explosive Spring tour, join Brandon Lake on Saturday, October 12th at the Peoria Civic Center! Featuring many of your favorite songs, unique collaborations, and brand new songs from the record-breaking album, Coat of Many Colors, the night will inspire faith and bring hope to all communities. The concert will begin at 7pm at ticket prices start at $33. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.peoriaciviccenter.com/events/2024/brandon-lake.
Camp Good News Open House
On October 12th from 2-6pm, Camp Good News will show off the facilities and some of the activities (like their zip-line). Food for cooking over the campfire will also be made available. FREE to anyone. Camp is located at 26010 Liberty Ln, Washington, IL 61571. Visit iheartcamp.org for more information about camp.
A Country Gospelfest
GospelFest Ministries presents:
A Country GospelFest with Shawn Degenhart and the GospelFest Singers & Choir
Special Guests: Steve Hargis and the Kramers
Saturday, October 5th at 7 p.m. at Five Points Washington
Doors open at 6:15pm
No cost to attend - a love offering will be taken.
An evening of country gospel favorites such as “Will the Circle Be Unbroken?,” “Life’s Railway to Heaven,” and “The Unclouded Day.”
Family Fest Benefit & Auction
The Auxiliary of the Apostolic Christian Nursing Home of Eureka is sponsoring the Family Fest Benefit and Online & Silent Auction on Saturday October 5th at Goodfield’s Apostolic Fellowship Hall from 4-8pm. There will be delicious pork chops, hot dogs, salad, nachos, ice cream, bake sale items and much more. There will be many children’s activities such as a bouncy house, barrel rides, and a fish game. New items and services can be purchased at the silent auction and online auction. No cost to attend, but donations will be accepted. Updated information on this event will be posted on our Apostolic Christian Home of Eureka’s Facebook Page and at www.each.org/benefit-auction.
First Presbyterian Church Annual Rummage Sale
First Presbyterian Church in Normal is gearing up for their Annual Rummage Sale! The presale event will take place on Friday, October 4th from 4-6pm costs $5 to attend. The sale will then be open to the public for free on Saturday, October 5th from 8am-noon. All proceeds from the rummage sale will go to support Integrity Counseling. The church is located at 2000 E College Ave. in Normal. For questions and more information, call 309-275-8628.
Hope Has An Army 2024
The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary annual fundraiser will take place on October 3rd. The evening will include a presentation by keynote speaker, Ben Zobrist, as well as a silent auction, live auction, and a delicious catered dinner. The evening will begin at 5:30pm and will take place at Venue Chisca, located at 1009 SW Washington St. in Peoria. Tickets are $125 per person and sponsorship options are available as well. For more information and to purchase your ticket, visit https://cbo.io/bidapp/index.php?slug=sawa2024#.
Parenting & Technology Conference
Join Cornerstone Baptist Church for a powerful 1-day Parenting and Technology conference led by Jonathan Smith, Director of Technology for Faith Ministries and a renowned national speaker. The conference will address the challenges and opportunities of raising children in a digital age, with sessions on the impact of technology on teenagers, biblical responses to tech trends, and strategies for using technology for accountability and discipleship. The conference will take place on September 21st from 8am-3:30pm. The cost is $10 per person which includes breakfast and lunch. For more information and to register, visit https://cbcmorton.breezechms.com/form/44f052
Memorial Service for the Unborn
The National Day of Remembrance of Aborted Children takes place on September 14th. There will be a memorial service for the unborn who have been aborted at 10am at St. Mary’s Cemetery, located at 421 N Sterling in Peoria. If you have questions regarding the memorial service, please call 309-645-8000.
CEF of IL Fall Fundraiser with Pastor Bryan Chapell
Join Child Evangelism Fellowship of Illinois for an uplifting evening as Dr. Bryan Chapell shares the importance of ministering to children and celebrating generations. Also hear testimonies and praise reports of what the Lord has done through the ministry of CEF of Illinois. A delicious dessert buffet will be provided. There is no cost for the event. Please RSVP for planning purposes. To RSVP or for more information visit www.cefofillinois.com or call 309-688-9699.
Day of the Dozer
Kids will get the experience of a lifetime . . . a chance to see, ride, and drive heavy construction equipment!
In its 19 years, more than 15,000 kids have attended this one-of-a-kind event! On this day, the kids will be in the driver's seat and operate dozers, excavators, and other heavy equipment with a professional operator at their side.
Additional farming, construction, semi-trucks, military, and Emergency vehicles will be on exhibit, plus the world's largest sandbox and other kid friendly activities. Food, refreshments, and souvenirs will be available. It's a great day for good dirty fun!
Tickets for kids are $10 and adults are FREE. Admission includes souvenir 'Hard hat'. Purchase tickets in advance online at dayofthedozer.net.
Proceeds will benefit the “Stay 4” Project®; a local initiative designed to address the high school drop-out crisis and help low-income students that demonstrate the ability to succeed yet are at risk of dropping out.
For more information go to www.dayofthedozer.net, call 309-828-3406, or email gplife@stay4.org.
Amos & Margaret Raber Family Concert at Fairview Haven Ice Cream Social
Fairview Haven Retirement Community in Fairbury is having an Ice Cream Social on Friday, September 6th at 6:30pm. Gospel music from the Amos and Margaret Raber Family will be from 6:30 - 7:30 PM. Please bring your lawn chairs and the music will be under the tent. Be prepared to give to a free will offering. To learn more visit bygraceministry.com.
The Isaacs in Concert
Lighthouse Academy presents the Isaacs in concert on August 29th at 6:00pm at Five Points Caterpillar Performing Arts Center in Washington. Come join us for a night of wonderful music from The Isaacs! They have won 9 Dove Awards and their latest 3 albums have received Grammy nominations. To purchase tickets or for more information visit www.theisaacs.com.
Trail Life Open House
The next Trail Life Open House is taking place on August 26th from 6-7:30pm. Trail Life is a Christ-centered, boy-focused mentoring program that engages boys in service & outdoor adventure to develop Godly & courageous leaders. The open house will be held at Bethel Lutheran Church, located at 325 E Queenwood Rd in Morton. To learn more, visit traillifeuse.com.