Our community was saddened by the loss of one of its long-time citizens recently. James Wilbur “Jim” Newton Sr. died Nov. 26, 2011, at the age of 96. Her was born Nov. 26, 1915. He and his wife Mildred, who passed away May 20, 2011, were faithful members of New Center Baptist Church. Jim was a member of the board of deacons and taught the Young Adult Sunday School Class for 25 years. He was a farmer, was employed at Goodyear Mills for 12 years and owned and operated the former Newton Insurance Agency in Hartselle for over 20 years. He sold the business in 1981 and retired shortly afterward. The Newtons were parents of a son, James Wilburn Newton Jr., who passed away in 1988, and two daughters, Maxine Gibson and Faye Cobbs.

Happy birthday wishes are extended to Maxine Gibson and Belle Hughes, both on Dec. 8, Lara Carlson and Joe Roberts, both on Dec. 9, Grace Parker on Dec. 10, Laura Dowdal, Diane Pratt and Carolyn Bracken, all on Dec. 11, Daniel Matthews and Brandon Miller, both on Dec. 13 and Becki Johnson on Dec. 14.

Happy wedding anniversary to Jim and Kandy Gibson on Dec. 10, Jonas and Laura Patterson on Dec. 10, Allen and Addene Matthews on Dec. 12, Pastor Dewain and Leslie Clemons on Dec. 12 and Frankie and Brenda Maples on Dec. 14.

If you and your family are looking for a memorable event or would like to start a new family tradition, Somerville Baptist Church invites your family to experience the life of Christ like never before. Its Drive Through Christmas outdoor production features over 100 actors and volunteers, live farm animals and professional orchestration that will depict the true meaning of Christmas. This free event is presented for groups, families and individuals on Dec, 8, 9 and 10 from 6 to 9 p.m. each day. Guests will park at Somerville Baptist Church and climb aboard the Christmas Caravan and ride through each scene before stopping at the Christmas Café for cookies and hot chocolate. Blankets and jackets are recommended. For more information, contact the church office at 256-778-8844.

If you can’t find the time to wrap your Christmas packages, the youth of New Center Baptist Church have a solution. They will be wrapping gifts again this year for a donation. If you are interested, call Kris Carpenter at 256-773-4162 or 256-542-0422 and schedule a time to drop off your gifts. Make sure the gift items are in box and are labeled. The cut-off date is Dec. 19. All gifts will be wrapped and delivered by Dec. 23.

“And the angel said unto them, fear not for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11.