An ecumenical service represents an opportunity for local churches to unite in Christ, regardless of sect or denomination. Representatives from six local churches participated in the service, along with the Community Choir.

Participating clergy included Pastor Larry Froemming from Bethany Lutheran Church, Pastor Tiff Bates from Congregational United Church of Christ, Pastor Ken Schaub, interim pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Father Mick Moon with St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Pastor Rob Gibson of Living Word Church, and Pastor Steve Groves with United Methodist Church of Brodhead.

In his sermon, Pastor Froemming stressed to those gathered in the congregation that we need to be thankful for things besides our material blessings.

“We need to thank God for the blessings we so often take for granted. Blessings like our life, our health, our friends, and our family,” Froemming said.

An offering was taken, one hundred percent of which was donated to the White Gift Food pantry. Following the service, the congregation enjoyed snacks and cookies during fellowship.

The event begins on Friday at 3:45 p.m. when Santa comes to town. At 4 p.m. will be the lighting of the luminaries. Santa will hold a snack and story time at City Hall from 4 to 6:30 p.m. There will also be cookie decorating at City Hall, courtesy of the Brodhead Optimists. Also from 4 to 6:30 p.m. free hot chocolate and hot cider will be available at City Hall, courtesy of Sugar River Bank.

From 4 to 6:30 p.m. people may view the Memory Tree at City Hall. Individuals may purchase their memory light through the chamber of commerce for $3. A white light will signify “in memory of someone.” A blue light will signify “in honor of someone.” Memory forms are available in the Independent-Register or at the Covered Bridge Gift Cottage, They should be filled out and returned to Brodhead Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 16, Brodhead, WI 53520.

From 4:30 to 6:30 there will be free carriage rides at city hall, courtesy of Brodhead Bid Board and Brodhead Chamber of Commerce. Carolers will also be downtown during the same time.

Brodhead to Bethlehem will be offered at Living Word Church, 3825-S County Road T from 5 to 8 p.m. The public is invited to “come walk among the common folk on the night Jesus was born, take part in the census, visit with the merchants and families, perhaps share in the excitement of a wedding, and experience the sights, sounds and smells and sample the foods of the times.” There is a suggested $2 per person donation or $5 per family. All proceeds go the White Gifts Food Bank and other local charities.

Finally on Friday, a lighted parade will be held at 7 p.m. Check-in for the parade is near the Methodist Church parking lot. The parade route will go down 1st Center Avenue and make a left turn onto Exchange Street and then make a right turn on 2nd Avenue to the stop sign. The parade will end at Veterans Park. Signup forms are available in the newspaper and should be returned to Brodhead Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 16, Brodhead, WI 53520.

On Saturday, Dec. 12 the UCC Church, 204 E. 23rd St., will offer a cookie walk, candy, gifts and pictures with Santa at 8 a.m. Brodhead stores will offer refreshments and store specials from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Also, vendors will be selling holiday items in the Prudential Building.

Local vendors are: Decatur Dairy, Cardinal Country Floral & Candy Banquet, Benesh Photography, Dieckhoff Jewelry, Zemlo hand-made wooden decorations and Hoppe Tupperware.

Items will be available for purchase in the Albrecht School gym during the school day on Monday Dec 21, 2009. The students will have the opportunity to shop for up to 5 gifts, from a variety of items purchased for this special shopping experience. 

The building will be closed over the School District’s scheduled winter break Dec. 22 through Jan. 3. Children must be supervised by an adult at all times.

Paul’s Tree Farm will also be collecting donations again this year for the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation, which is the charitable branch of the National Christmas Tree Association. The Christmas SPIRIT Foundation has implemented the Trees for Troops Program in conjunction with FedEx.

This year Trees for Troops plan to deliver more than 15,000 trees to all branches of the military, with approximately 300-400 trees being shipped overseas for troops in the Middle East. Since 2005, the program has delivered more than 50,000 Real Christmas Trees to military families at more than 50 bases across the U.S. and overseas. Depending on the generosity of contributors and participants, The Christmas SPIRIT Foundation is able to carry out their mission of furthering the Christmas spirit through programs serving kids, families and the environment.

Nov. 22 2:15 a.m., Joshua J Moore, 21, Brodhead, was arrested in the 1100 block W 2nd Ave for Battery, Disorderly Conduct, and Resisting Arrest. He was transported to the Green County Jail.

Nov. 23 7:50 a.m., Susan M Hanson, 60, Brodhead, was cited in the 900 block 6th St for Unsafe Backing following a traffic accident. A court date was issued.  3:20 p.m., A 17 year old Brodhead male was cited in the 1000 block 8th St for Failure to Stop for a School Bus. A court date was issued.

Nov. 24 5:01 p.m., James R Haas, 22, Brodhead, was arrested in the 1000 block W Exchange St for a Probation Violation. He was transported to the Green County Jail. Jordan L Walmer, 56, Brodhead, was cited in the 1100 block W 2nd Ave for Violation of Closing Hours with a Class B license stemming from an incident on 11/14/09. A court date was issued. 9:30 p.m., A 17 year old Beloit male was cited in the 600 block 1st St for Speeding. A court date was issued.

Nov. 25 6:27 p.m., Stephen M Pitcock, 35, Orfordville, was cited for Speeding in the 500 block 1st Center Ave.  He was cited and released with a court date. 11:07 p.m., Kevin J Mansfield, 20, Orfordville, was stopped in the 500 block 1st St. for Speeding.  He was cited and released with a court date.   Nov. 26 8:13 p.m., Jeffrey L Kehm, 67, Albany, was cited in the 1100 block W 2nd Ave. for Unsafe Backing following a traffic accident.  A court date was issued.   Nov. 27 2:20 p.m., Officers received a Theft complaint in the 1100 block W 4th Ave.  The investigation continues.   Nov. 28 12:04 a.m., Bradley L Faulkner , 49, Davis, Ill.  was cited for Speeding in the 200 block 1st St.  He was cited and released with a court date.

This year’s menu will again include a lettuce salad with dressing, rolls, beef, turkey, parsley-buttered potatoes, a vegetable medley, dessert, and beverage. Cost for the entire evening is a very $15!