'Tis the season to be jolly, and the South Ripley Ministerial Association (SRMA) wants to help you be jolly! The association would like to invite the public to attend its Community Christmas Carol Festival titled "A Night of Awareness" on Tuesday, December 6 at the South Ripley High School Auditeria at 7:00 p.m.

After years of sponsoring a "Thankmas" service after Thanksgiving and before Christmas, SRMA has decided it's time to change things up a bit. This year's community Christmas Carol Festival will be a traditional Christmas Carol service with carols led by Nancy Durham, performances by the South Ripley Young Confederates, a solo performance and scripture reading by Jessica McIntosh and a short message delivered by Pastor Doug Norman. The crowd will be able to join in the caroling, as the words for each song will be printed in a program.

Retired Pastor and SRMA member John Halford has seen the need to entertain both young and old crowds saying that in years past the entertainment has been too loud for some attendees. "The older crowd wants to hear worship, not warships," laughed Halford. He reassured the event would satisfy the needs of all in attendance.

The goal of "A Night of Awareness" is to raise money and food supplies for the food banks and charitable organizations that serve the disadvantaged in our community. The need is especially great this year as the tough economic times leave many families unable to provide food and other needs.

SRMA encourages the public to attend the event. There is no charge for admittance but attendees are encouraged to bring can goods, groceries, toys, gifts, and other donations to the event. An offering will also be taken up during the event. All donations will be given to local food banks and charities such as Fishes and Loaves Food Pantry and others.

"Local businesses have been very generous in supporting our Community Christmas Carol Festival," said Halford. He said SRMA would like to thank the many businesses that have helped make this night possible.

Halford noted the Community Christmas Carol Festival might become the SRMA's new Christmas tradition if all goes well.