Wednesday, December 20
Nativity Gallery
All are invited to enjoy a Nativity Gallery on Wednesday, December 20 at 6 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 401 N. 8th St. in Hamilton. Come enjoy beautiful display of creche collections and an introduction to the “Light the World” service initiative that brings even more spiritual meanings to the Christmas season. All are welcome.
Elks Christmas Dinner
The Bitterroot Valley Elks Lodge #1651, located at 203 State Street, Hamilton, will be serving a Christmas Dinner on December 20 at 6 p.m. The $15.00 complete dinner includes prime rib, salad, dessert and coffee. Proceeds from the dinner help to sponsor Elks charities in the Valley. For reservations telephone 1-406-363-3031 (Bitterroot Valley Elks Lodge #1651 Office).
Thursday, December 21
Our Savior Lutheran Advent service
The congregation of Our Savior Lutheran Church of Stevensville is preparing again to celebrate the giving of greatest gift, the sending of the Savior of the world. Come join the congregation as they ponder the gravity and wonder of God’s grace and goodness at Advent vespers services on Thursday, December 21 at 7 p.m. Come early for food and fellowship at 6 p.m., with a free soup and sandwich supper prepared by the women of the church. Our Savior, located at 184 Pine Hollow Road, is affiliated with the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Call weekdays, 777-5625, 9 a.m. to 12 noon for more information. To find the church, head south from Stevensville on the Eastside Highway. Roughly one mile past Burnt Fork Market, turn east on Pine Hollow. Cross the tracks and the canal, and the church will be on your left, marked by three crosses.
Back Country Horsemen
Bitter Root Back Country Horsemen host their monthly meeting on Thursday, December 21, at the Corvallis School Cafeteria on Eastside Highway in Corvallis. Potluck dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting starts at 7 p.m. The program speaker will be Dave Schilz. He brings knowledge of his 28 years of backcountry packing experience with the U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service, including outfitter and guide stories of his personal pack trips. As a student and teacher of packing, a horseman and a longtime BCH member, Dave looks forward to sharing his knowledge with those in attendance. Guests are welcome and for more information call Karen at 961-0101 or check out the website at www.bchmt.org/bitterroot or on Facebook at Bitter Root Back Country Horsemen (BR BCH).
Friday, December 22
Advent Spiral
An Advent Spiral activity will be held Friday, December 22 at 5 p.m. at The O’Hara Commons, 111 S. 4th St, Hamilton. Dulcie Belanger, Waldorf Educator, has planned this event that celebrates the shortest day of the year. Visitors will light a candle and place them from the center of the spiral outward. The candles represent Peace, Love, Joy or Hope. In the end participants will have created a large spiral of light on the darkest day of the year. This event is outdoors, dress accordingly. Stop for five minutes or stay to see the completed spiral. The event is free and open to all. For information email info@theoharacommons.org or call 406-369-6451.
Meditation Exploration
Explore and experience various meditation traditions and techniques to draw closer to our Higher Self. The group meets Friday, December 22, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at The Center for Spiritual Living, 328 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton. By donation. For more information like it on Facebook: CSLBitterroot, or visit: cslbitterroot.org, or contact Luanne Cathey, 830-4408, lucathey@gmail.com/.
‘Night in Bethelem’
Nine-year-old Irelyn Potts has taken over organizing Night In Bethlehem at a local Victor church. Saddened by the news of Night in Bethlehem being canceled, Irelyn decided she would take control of the large project and organize it herself. There will be roughly 10 storefronts along with the live Nativity. There will be homemade stew, candle making, jewelry making, live music, and more. The event will be Friday, December 22 at 5:30 p.m. Crossroads Christian Fellowship is located at 1297 Meridian Road south of Victor off of Sheafman Creek Road.
‘A Christmas Carol’ presentation
Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” will be presented in a reader’s theater by the Hamilton Player on Friday, December 22 at 7 p.m. at the Hamilton Playhouse. A delightful mix of stage play and bedtime story that is appropriate for all ages, this reader’s theater combines a dramatic reading with some live action, costumes, stage tech and music to bring this holiday classic to life! The event includes a Holiday Bake Sale, with baked goods available as a single concessions treat or in batches to take home and share! Admission to the performance is free (donations gratefully accepted). Doors open at 6 p.m., seating begins at 6:30 p.m., and the show starts at 7 p.m.
Saturday, December 23
Kids’ ornament making
Children can make a Christmas ornament on Saturday, December 23 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the Ravalli County Museum in Hamilton. Craft a handmade gift for a friend or family member. Make your own Christmas tree ornament using paper, glitter, coloring supplies, and your imagination! Call 363-3338 for more information.
Open Art Day: Ornaments
Drop in on Saturday, December 23 between 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. to make an ornament at the O’Hara Commons & Sustainability Center, 111 S. 4th, Hamilton. There will be four art stations with artists to walk you through the crafts. Adults and children are welcome (ages 5+). Needle felting, watercoloring, sewn felt and marbled notecards. Nominal fee per station. Questions: info@theoharacommons.org.
Children’s Christmas Party
The Bitter Root Eagles Lodge will host its Annual Children’s Community Christmas Party on Saturday, December 23 at 1 p.m. in the Aerie hall at 125 N. 2nd in Hamilton. The function is open to all children 12 years of age and younger. There will be crafts, music, treats and a visit from Santa.
Community dinner
A Community Christmas Dinner hosted by Montana Life Ministries will be held Saturday, December 23 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Stevensville School cafeteria. Everyone is welcome. In the spirit of Christmas, come celebrate together! Whether you are alone for the holidays, in need of a place to enjoy food and fun, need help or just want to be a part of this community event…join in! Tickets can be picked up at Super 1 and Cenex. Guests without tickets will not be turned away. Children’s activities and entertainment will be provided. Need a ride, want to help or donate, call or text Pastor Everett Headley at 406-499-2434.
Sunday, December 24
Center for Spiritual Living
“The Light of God” Christmas Program with choir will be the Sunday Service on December 24 at the Center for Spiritual Living. Everyone is invited to the program beginning at 9:30 a.m. for music, prayer, and candle lighting to celebrate the coming of The Light of God. The Center of Spiritual Living is located at 328 Fairgrounds Road, across from Hamilton High School. For further information call Dave Schultz at 381-2355 or visit CSLBitterroot.org.
Christmas Eve Service
Christmas Eve Service at St. Stephens, 203 Main Street, Stevensville will be held on Sunday, December 24 at 5:30 p.m. The regular service will be held at 12 noon. For more information contact Sue at 369-0406.
Candlelight Service
Hamilton Assembly of God will hold a Candlelight Service on Sunday, December 24 from 6 to 7 p.m. with special music and the reading of the Christmas Story. Call 363-2510 for more information.
Lutheran Christmas services
Our Savior Lutheran Church will hold a Christmas Eve service on Sunday, December 24 at 8:30 p.m. and a Christmas Day service on Monday, December 25 at 10 a.m. All are welcome. The church is located at 184 Pine Hollow Road. For more information call 777-5625, weekdays 9 a.m. to 12 noon.
Monday, December 25
Christmas Day potluck
The First Presbyterian Church in Hamilton is serving a Christmas Day Potluck for the eighth year. The Christmas Day Community Potluck is from 2 to 3 p.m. Turkey, potatoes, gravy, dressing and bread will be provided. All are welcome. RSVP the church at 363-1232 by Dec. 18 if you are planning to attend. When you call the church mention how many are attending and whether you are bringing a side dish or dessert.
Saturday, December 30
Square Dance Club
Boots & Calico Square Dance Club will be celebrating New Year’s Eve with a Mainstream dance on Saturday, November 30 at the Golden Age Club at 5th and Baker Streets, Hamilton. Ray Dunbar will be calling, and Don Scheline will provide the Round Dance music. The dance is from 8 to 10pm. Come join the fun!
Thursday, January 4
Spiritual Masters film showing
“Life Visioning” with Rev. Michael B. Beckwith of The Agape Center in California will be shown on Thursday, January 4 at 6:30 p.m. at the Center for Spiritual Living. Activate your unique gifts and highest potential using the Life Visioning Process. It is a transformational technology to apply deep inquiry and spiritual practice and which enables the growth, development, and unfoldment of our souls. This process can be applied to all life situations including relationships, finances, livelihood and spiritual practice. Enjoy the movie, group discussion, and buttered popcorn. By donation. The Center for Spiritual Living is located at 328 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton. For more information, call Pat, 360-5568 or visit the website: CSLBitterroot.org.