Skip to main content

Holiday season church services

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Many local churches are holding special services for Advent, Christmas and New Year’s. Below is a partial listing. Additional services or updates can be sent to rich@gctimesnews.com.

Wednesday, Dec. 17

Advent services at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 10 and Wednesday, Dec. 17 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 713 North 12thSt., Guthrie Center.

Wednesday, Dec. 24

  • Christmas Eve Service, 5 p.m. at Casey United Methodist Church, 100 E 2nd
  • Christmas Eve Service, 5 p.m., at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 713 North 12th, Guthrie Center.
  • Christmas Eve Service, 6:30 p.m. at Bagley United Methodist Church, 401 Main St.
  • Christmas Eve Service, 5 p.m. at Casey United Methodist Church, 100 East Second St., Casey.
  • Christmas Eve Service, 7 p.m., at St. Thomas Lutheran Church, 2106 Highway 4, Panora.
  • Christmas Eve Service, 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 701 State St. in Guthrie Center.
  • Come and Go Communion “self-serve” and meditation time, 6-11 p.m., First Christian Church,105 North Fourth St. in Guthrie Center.
  • Christmas Eve mass will be held at St. Mary Catholic, 603 Main St., Guthrie Center at 4 p.m., at St. Patrick Catholic, 214 Prairie St., Bayard at 5:30 p.m.; and at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 220 North First St., Panora at 7:15 p.m.

Christmas Day, Dec. 25

Christmas mass will be held at 9 a.m. at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 220 North First St., Panora.

New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31

Solemnity of Mary Vigil at 6:30 p.m. at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 220 North First St., Panora.

New Year’s Day, Jan. 1

Solemnity of Mary at 9 a.m. at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 220 North First St., Panora.

Holiday season church services

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Many local churches are holding special services for Advent, Christmas and New Year’s. Below is a partial listing. Additional services or updates can be sent to rich@gctimesnews.com.

Sunday, Dec. 14

  • At 2 p.m., the public is invited to the Annual Sounds of Christmas event, featuring local church musicians, at Guthrie Center United Methodist Church, 405 Prairie St.
  • There will be a Christmas program at First Baptist Church, 113 N. Fifth St., Guthrie Center, at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14.

Wednesday, Dec. 17

Advent services at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 10 and Wednesday, Dec. 17 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 713 North 12th St., Guthrie Center.

Wednesday, Dec. 24

  • Christmas Eve Service, 5 p.m. at Casey United Methodist Church, 100 E 2nd
  • Christmas Eve Service, 5 p.m., at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 713 North 12th, Guthrie Center.
  • Christmas Eve Service, 6:30 p.m. at Bagley United Methodist Church, 401 Main St.
  • Christmas Eve Service, 5 p.m. at Casey United Methodist Church, 100 East Second St., Casey.
  • Christmas Eve Service, 7 p.m., at St. Thomas Lutheran Church, 2106 Highway 4, Panora.
  • Christmas Eve Service, 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 701 State St. in Guthrie Center.
  • Come and Go Communion “self-serve” and meditation time, 6-11 p.m., First Christian Church,105 North Fourth St. in Guthrie Center.
  • Christmas Eve mass will be held at St. Mary Catholic, 603 Main St., Guthrie Center at 4 p.m., at St. Patrick Catholic, 214 Prairie St., Bayard at 5:30 p.m.; and at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 220 North First St., Panora at 7:15 p.m.

Christmas Day, Dec. 25

Christmas mass will be held at 9 a.m. at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 220 North First St., Panora.

New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31

Solemnity of Mary Vigil at 6:30 p.m. at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 220 North First St., Panora.

New Year’s Day, Jan. 1

Solemnity of Mary at 9 a.m. at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 220 North First St., Panora.

Upcoming events in the area

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Panora Business Open House events Friday, Dec. 12

Many businesses in Panora will welcome everyone for holiday fun and treats on Friday, Dec. 12. Participating businesses include the following:

  • 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Guthrie County State Bank will have cookies and coffee, along with a chance to win a turkey or ham.
  • 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Dallas County Medical Clinic will offer holiday treats (while they last) and a prize drawing.
  • 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Bryton Insurance will offer 2026 calendars, measuring tapes, snack mix and cider (while supplies last).
  • 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Panora Fiber will have snacks and drinks, along with a drawing for a 65-inch TV, a gaming system and other prizes.
  • 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Iowa Trust Bank will have cookies, candy and drinks.
  • 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Insight Wealth & CPA will have homemade treats and hot chocolate, plus drawings for Chamber bucks.
  • 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunset Realty will offer cookies and drinks.
  • 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Lake Panorama Realty will have soup and snacks.
  • 2-5 p.m., Off Course Golf Carts & E-Bikes will have drinks, snacks and drawings for giveaways.
  • 3-6 p.m., Restore Wellness Studio and Reshape Fitness Studio will offer snacks, drinks and drawings for prizes totaling more than $700 in value from the businesses in the building.

Guthrie Center Holiday Open House events

A number of Guthrie Center businesses will offer special open house events, including:

  • Art on State: Friday, Dec. 12, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., refreshments, a giveaway, and 20% off fall merchandise.
  • Dowd Drug: Check Facebook for special deals the week of Dec. 8-13.
  • Edward Jones: Friday, Dec. 12, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., popcorn and kringla.
  • Guthrie County State Bank: Friday, Dec. 12, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., planner books, drinks, treats, and enter to win a turkey or ham.
  • MJB Library: Saturday, Dec. 13, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Festival of Trees, bake sale and kids’ craft.
  • Pearls & Lace: 11-14, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., open house; check Facebook for details.
  • Peoples Bank: Friday, Dec. 12, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Delicious treats, door prizes and more.
  • Strawberry Patch: Friday, Dec. 12, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., cider, cookies, giveaway and 25% off regularly priced merchandise.

 

Christmas in Casey Dec. 13

On Saturday, Dec. 13, 9-11 a.m., the ACGC class of 2026 will be serving breakfast with Santa. Vendor fair will be 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. including gift wrapping and baked goods. Children’s mall will be 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Methodist Church. Also, look for cookie mixes and hot cocoa mixes provided by Grant Sky Eagles 4H Club and Kids’ Craft with Judi Z, and 19 vendors selling their products. 

Bake sale and more at Guthrie Center Library Dec. 13

The Friends of the Guthrie Center Library will hold a bake sale and kids’ craft event on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Attendees will also be able to browse the Festival of Trees displays. The library is located at 400 Grand St.

Santa on “the island” Dec. 13

Come see Santa at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13 at the Jamaica Fire Station. Made possible by the Jamaica Lions Club.

A Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus Dec. 13

On Saturday, Dec. 13, 3-6 p.m., Santa and Mrs. Claus will greet visitors to Sapphire Skin Co. & Spa, 322 State St., Guthrie Center.

Panorama Wrestling Chili Cookoff Dec. 14 

Sunday, Dec. 14 at 4:30 p.m., a chili cookoff event will help raise funds for the Panorama wrestling teams. Cost to enter is $20, and $10 to eat. A cash prize will be awarded to the winning chili chef. More details will be announced on the Facebook page of Panorama Wrestling.

Sounds of Christmas in concert Dec. 14

The Guthrie Center Church Musicians concert will be Sunday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Guthrie Center, 405 Prairie St. A freewill offering will be taken for the Guthrie Center Association of Churches.

Panora Fire Department Toy Drive

The Panora Fire Department is collecting toys for families in need this holiday season. Toys will be accepted through Dec. 15 at many local businesses including Hometown Foods, Panora Fiber, Crafty’s, Sunset Realty, B & B Marketplace, Little Panther Daycare, Local Liquor and Farmers State Bank in Yale. Gift cards may also be given. For questions, call Bryce Arganbright at 641-757-9073.

Submit your event information to rich@gctimesnews.com.

Holiday season church services

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Many local churches are holding special services for Advent, Christmas and New Year’s. Below is a partial listing. Additional services or updates can be sent to rich@gctimesnews.com.

Wednesday, Dec. 10 and 17

Advent services at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 10 and Wednesday, Dec. 17 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 713 North 12thSt., Guthrie Center.

Sunday, Dec. 14

  • On Sundy, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m., the public is invited to the Annual Sounds of Christmas event, featuring local church musicians, at Guthrie Center United Methodist Church, 405 Prairie St.
  • There will be a Christmas program at First Baptist Church, 113 N. Fifth St., Guthrie Center, at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14.

Upcoming events in the area

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Panora Business Open House events Friday, Dec. 12

Many businesses in Panora will welcome everyone for holiday fun and treats on Friday, Dec. 12. Participating businesses include the following:

  • 9-11 a.m., The Renew Room will have cookies, drinks, and a drawing for a giveaway.
  • 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Guthrie County State Bank will have cookies and coffee, along with a chance to win a turkey or ham.
  • 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Dallas County Medical Clinic will offer holiday treats (while they last) and a prize drawing.
  • 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Bryton Insurance will offer 2026 calendars, measuring tapes, snack mix and cider (while supplies last).
  • 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Panora Fiber will have snacks and drinks, along with a drawing for a 65-inch TV, a gaming system and other prizes.
  • 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Iowa Trust Bank will have cookies, candy and drinks.
  • 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Insight Wealth & CPA will have homemade treats and hot chocolate, plus drawings for Chamber bucks.
  • 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunset Realty will offer cookies and drinks.
  • 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Lake Panorama Realty will have soup and snacks.
  • 2-5 p.m., Off Course Golf Carts & E-Bikes will have drinks, snacks and drawings for giveaways.
  • 3-6 p.m., Restore Wellness Studio and Reshape Fitness Studio will offer snacks, drinks and drawings for prizes totaling more than $700 in value from the businesses in the building. 

 

Downtown Guthrie Center to hold Holiday Open Houses Dec. 12

Downtown Guthrie Center will hold its Holiday Open Houses on Friday, Dec. 12. Celebrate the magic of the season by shopping locally. A list of participating businesses are to be announced soon on the Guthrie Center Chamber of Commerce Facebook page. 

 

Christmas in Casey Dec. 13

On Saturday, Dec. 13, 9-11 a.m., the ACGC class of 2026 will be serving breakfast with Santa. Vendor fair will be 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. including gift wrapping and baked goods. Children’s mall will be 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Methodist Church. Also, look for cookie mixes and hot cocoa mixes provided by Grant Sky Eagles 4H Club and Kids’ Craft with Judi Z, and 19 vendors selling their products. 

Bake sale and more at Guthrie Center Library Dec. 13

The Friends of the Guthrie Center Library will hold a bake sale and kids’ craft event on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Attendees will also be able to browse the Festival of Trees displays. The library is located at 400 Grand St.

Panorama Wrestling Chili Cookoff Dec. 14 

Sunday, Dec. 14 at 4:30 p.m., a chili cookoff event will help raise funds for the Panorama wrestling teams. Cost to enter is $20, and $10 to eat. A cash prize will be awarded to the winning chili chef. More details will be announced on the Facebook page of Panorama Wrestling.

Sounds of Christmas in concert Dec. 14

The Guthrie Center Church Musicians concert will be Sunday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Guthrie Center, 405 Prairie St. A freewill offering will be taken for the Guthrie Center Association of Churches.

Panora Fire Department Toy Drive

The Panora Fire Department is collecting toys for families in need this holiday season. Toys will be accepted through Dec. 15 at many local businesses including Hometown Foods, Panora Fiber, Crafty’s, Sunset Realty, B & B Marketplace, Little Panther Daycare, Local Liquor and Farmers State Bank in Yale. Gift cards may also be given. For questions, call Bryce Arganbright at 641-757-9073.

Submit your event information to rich@gctimesnews.com. 

Upcoming events in the area

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Holiday basket auction Dec. 5 in Guthrie Center

On Friday, Dec. 5, a silent auction fundraiser will be held at The New Homestead (2306 State St.). Bidding will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Springbrook Park Brainstorming and Full Moon Hike Dec. 5

Springbrook State Park will celebrate its 100-year anniversary in 2026, and everyone is invited to a brainstorming session at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5 at the park office. Those attending will discuss ideas of how to celebrate throughout 2026. At 7 p.m., everyone is encouraged to join a full moon hike/fire/marshmallow roast at the CCC shelter.

Breakfast with Santa in Panora Dec. 6

On Saturday, Dec. 6 from 8:30-11 a.m., a freewill donation pancake breakfast will be held at the Panora Community Center (115 W. Main St.). The Camp Candycane craft event will be 9-10:30 a.m.

Adair Lions Soup Supper Dec. 6

The Adair Lions club will hold a freewill offering soup supper from 4:30-7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6 at the Adair Fire Hall, 505 Fifth St. The meal includes potato soup, chili, sandwiches, cookies and drinks. 

Redfield Winterfest Dec. 6

Celebrate winter in Redfield on Dec. 6 at West Central Valley Middle School. A craft fair, silent auction and cookie walk run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Kids shop for free from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Santa visits at 1 p.m. Then head over to Legion Hall and City Park for the lighting. The chili competition drop-off is at 3:30 p.m. with the judging beginning at 4 p.m. The tree and holiday display and lighting of the park occurs at 5 p.m. The chili feed runs from 5-7 p.m. for a free will donation. At 6:30 p.m., the silent auction ends. At 7 p.m., the lighted parade begins. 

Caroling Group Dec. 6 in Panora

A Christmas caroling group will sing at various location in Panora on the morning of Saturday, Dec. 6. Singers will meet at the Panora Library at 8 a.m. The group will sing at Crafty’s Coffee, Santa’s Workshop (Panora Square), Lakeside Village and Care Initiatives. If interested in joining, call Anna at 712-269-8248. Anyone participating is encouraged to wear red and/or green.

WFPF Home Tour Dec. 7

Women For Panora’s Future (WFPF) will hold a Holiday Home Tour from 1-4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7. Advance tickets ($10) can be purchased by calling 712-249-2142. On the day of the event, tickets can be purchased ($15) at the Panora Community Center.

Jamaica Tree Lighting Dec. 7

Jamaica’s second annual tree lighting will happen at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7 at the Community Center. There will be cocoa, hot dogs, snacks, children’s gifts, a photo backdrop, holiday music and bilingual story time.

Christmas program and soup supper Dec. 7

Everyone is invited to the children’s Christmas program and soup supper on Sunday, Dec. 7 at Church of the Brethren (2946 200th Road, Panora). The freewill donation soup supper will run 4:30-5:45 p.m., followed by the program at 6 p.m.

Guthrie County State Bank Christmas Open House Dec. 12 

Guthrie County State Bank will hold its Christmas Open House on Friday, Dec. 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at its Guthrie Center and Panora locations.  Enter to win one of three turkeys or three hams at each location. The 2026 calendars will also be available. 

Iowa Trust Holiday Open House Dec. 12 

Iowa Trust will holds its Holiday Open House on Friday, Dec. 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at its Panora office at 120 E. Main St. Join in for refreshments, door prizes and holiday fun.

Panora Fiber open house Dec. 12

Crank up the Christmas cheer with Panora Fiber on Friday, Dec. 12 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Panora office, 114 E. Main St. They will be serving plenty of goodies and will be giving away prizes including an Xbox Series X – All Digital Gaming Console, a 65-inch Samsung Crystal UHD TV, and a Solo Stove BioE Runner.

Christmas in Casey Dec. 13

On Saturday, Dec. 13, 9-11 a.m., the ACGC class of 2026 will be serving breakfast with Santa. Vendor fair will be 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. including gift wrapping and baked goods. Children’s mall will be 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Methodist Church. Also, look for cookie mixes and hot cocoa mixes provided by Grant Sky Eagles 4H Club and Kids’ Craft with Judi Z, and 19 vendors selling their products. 

Bake sale and more at Guthrie Center Library Dec. 13

The Friends of the Guthrie Center Library will hold a bake sale and kids’ craft event on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Attendees will also be able to browse the Festival of Trees displays. The library is located at 400 Grand St.

Panorama Wrestling Chili Cookoff Dec. 14 

Sunday, Dec. 14 at 4:30 p.m., a chili cookoff event will help raise funds for the Panorama wrestling teams. Cost to enter is $20, and $10 to eat. A cash prize will be awarded to the winning chili chef. More details will be announced on the Facebook page of Panorama Wrestling.

Sounds of Christmas in concert Dec. 14

The Guthrie Center Church Musicians concert will be Sunday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Guthrie Center, 405 Prairie St. A freewill offering will be taken for the Guthrie Center Association of Churches.

Panora Fire Department Toy Drive

The Panora Fire Department is collecting toys for families in need this holiday season. Toys will be accepted through Dec. 15 at many local businesses including Hometown Foods, Panora Fiber, Crafty’s, Sunset Realty, B & B Marketplace, Little Panther Daycare, Local Liquor and Farmers State Bank in Yale. Gift cards may also be given. For questions, call Bryce Arganbright at 641-757-9073.

Submit your event information to rich@gctimesnews.com.