This time of year, many local churches hold 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. 7

A live nativity program will be presented on Sunday, Dec. 7 at 5:30 p.m. at First Christian Church, 105 North Fourth St., Guthrie Center. A soup/sandwich supper will follow in the fellowship hall for a free will offering.

Monday, Dec. 8

• Mass at 8 a.m. at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 220 N. First St., Panora.
• Mass at 6:30 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 603 Main St., Guthrie Center.

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 12^th St., 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.

Wednesday, Dec. 24

• Christmas Eve Service, 5 p.m. at Casey United Methodist Church, 100 East Second St.
• Christmas Eve Service, 5 p.m., at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 713 North 12^th, 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.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

This time of year, many local churches hold 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. 7

A live Nativity program will be presented on Sunday, Dec. 7 at 5:30 p.m. at First Christian Church, 105 North Fourth St., Guthrie Center. A soup/sandwich supper will follow in the fellowship hall for a free will offering.

Monday, Dec. 8

• Mass at 8 a.m. at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 220 N. First St., Panora.
• Mass at 6:30 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 603 Main St., Guthrie Center.

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 12^th St., 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.

Wednesday, Dec. 24

• Christmas Eve Service, 5 p.m. at Casey United Methodist Church, 100 E 2^nd
• Christmas Eve Service, 5 p.m., at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 713 North 12^th, 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.

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, so 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 invited 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.

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 200^th Road, Panora). The freewill donation soup supper will run 4:30-5:45 p.m., followed by the program at 6 p.m.

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.

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.

Christmas in Casey Dec. 13

On Saturday, Dec. 13, 9-11 a.m., the ACGC class of 2026 will serve 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.

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. 

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

This time of year, many local churches hold special services for Thanksgiving, Advent, Christmas and/or New Year’s. Below is a partial listing. Additional services or updates can be sent to rich@gctimesnews.com.

Sunday, Nov. 30 – Bagley United Methodist (401 Main St.) will hold a “Hanging of the greens” service at 11 a.m. to start the Advent season.

Sunday, Dec. 7 – A live Nativity program will be presented on Sunday, Dec. 7 at 5:30 p.m. at First Christian Church, 105 North Fourth St., Guthrie Center. A soup/sandwich supper will follow in the fellowship hall for a free will offering.

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.

Sunday, Dec. 14 – There will be a Christmas program at First Baptist Church, 113 N. Fifth St., Guthrie Center, at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14.

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Lighted Parade in Guthrie Center Nov. 29

Guthrie Center’s lighted Christmas Parade will begin at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 29. Anyone interested in having an entry in the parade is asked to contact the Guthrie Center Chamber of Commerce. Parade lineup begins at 5:15 p.m. at the courthouse.

Panora Boutique Nov. 29

The 48^th annual Panora Holiday Boutique will be Saturday, Nov. 29, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Panora Community Center. More than 50 vendors and crafters are expected.

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.

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). The Camp Candycane craft event will be 9-10:30 a.m. 

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 200^th Road, Panora). The freewill donation soup supper will run 4:30-5:45 p.m., followed by the program at 6 p.m.

Panora Fiber open house Dec. 12

Christmas in Casey Dec. 13

On Saturday, Dec. 13, 9-11 a.m., the ACGC class of 2026 will serve 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.

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, 641-757-9073.

Submit your event information to rich@gctimesnews.com. 

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

Santa visits Panora Nov. 26

On Wednesday, Nov. 26 at 5:30 p.m., Santa Claus will be at the Panora town square and gazebo to see the lighted decorations at the town square and to start spreading holiday cheer.

Turkey Trot Nov. 27 in Panora

Reshape Fitness Studio’s sixth annual Turkey Trot 3-mile walk/run will be held Thanksgiving morning at 7:30 a.m. The event will be held at Twin Vines (2821 Highway 44)on an all-terrain course offering panoramic views of Guthrie County. Registration costs $40 through Nov. 22. After that, registration will cost $45. Pre-registered entrants will receive turkey swag. To pre-register, go to www.getmeregistered.com and search for “Panora.”

Lighted Parade in Guthrie Center Nov. 29

Guthrie Center’s lighted Christmas Parade will begin at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 29. Anyone interested in having an entry in the parade is asked to contact the Guthrie Center Chamber of Commerce. Parade lineup begins at 5:15 p.m. at the courthouse.

Panora Boutique Nov. 29

The 48^th annual Panora Holiday Boutique will be Saturday, Nov. 29, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Panora Community Center. More than 50 vendors and crafters are expected.

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.

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). The Camp Candycane craft event will be 9-10:30 a.m.

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 200^th Road, Panora). The freewill donation soup supper will run 4:30-5:45 p.m., followed by the program at 6 p.m.

Panora Fiber open house Dec. 12

Submit your event information to rich@iowalivingmagazines.com.