The congregations of First United Methodist Church of Gillespie and Zion Lutheran Church in Mt. Olive invite the community a live nativity presentation.
“O Holy Night” will take place on Sunday, December 4th at 6:00pm at Griffel Farm, 16308 Honey Creek Road Gillespie.
The story of the birth of Jesus Christ will be presented with live actors and farm animals in a rustic setting. The program begins with a gathering in the utility shed at the Griffel Farm.
There will be an opportunity to light the advent wreath and to sing traditional Christmas carols.
After the visit of the shepherds, the crew will proceed to the live nativity to share in a time of prayer, meditation, and song.
Guests will be invited back to the utility shed for hot chocolate and holiday cookies. Visitors may take advantage of shuttle service from their cars to the heated and spacious utility shed at the farm.
Hillsboro, IL — Hillsboro’s beloved Imagine Hillsboro’s Markets are back for another season, offering residents and visitors an opportunity to enjoy locally made, handcrafted, and fresh items. The markets are held every second Saturday from May through September, providing a vibrant community event in the heart of Hillsboro.
The upcoming market takes place on June 14th, just in time for Father’s Day, and will feature a wide variety of homemade products and local treasures. Shoppers can browse and purchase flowers, plants, produce, pecans, baked goods, books, jewelry, honey, jellies and jams, wood turned items, dog treats, resin crafts, candles, and more.
In addition to the shopping experience, the June 14th market will include a free drawing for a goody bag filled with items donated by local businesses and market vendors—a perfect opportunity to find a special gift for Father’s Day or treat yourself.
The market is held from 9:00 a.m. to noon, rain or shine, with plenty of parking available for visitors. It’s a family-friendly event designed to foster community spirit and support local artisans and farmers.
Join us in Hillsboro each month for fresh, homemade, and handcrafted products, along with community fun and connection.
The 2:18 Missions Team, a dedicated local outreach group based in Gillespie, is excited to announce its upcoming cookout fundraiser to support its community initiatives. The event will take place on Saturday, June 21st, at Randy’s Market in Benld.
From approximately 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., community members are invited to enjoy delicious homemade food while supporting a worthy cause. The menu will feature pork chops, pork burgers, hot dogs, and refreshing water — perfect for a summer day of good food and fellowship.
“All proceeds from this event will go directly toward our mission efforts to serve and uplift our community,” said a spokesperson for 2:18 Missions Team. “We’re grateful for the support of our neighbors and look forward to seeing everyone there!”
Come out to Randy’s Market in Benld on June 21st to enjoy a tasty meal, support local endeavors, and connect with others in the community.
Protestors at a Macoupin County board meeting (archived photo/TheBenGilPost.com)
CARLINVILLE, IL – On June 14th, concerned citizens are invited to join a coalition of grassroots organizations to nonviolently protest in front of the Macoupin County Courthouse at 201 E. Main St. in Carlinville, IL, from 2:00pm – 4:00pm. This protest is one of over 1,400 protests taking place nationwide with millions of participants as part of the NO KINGS National Day of Action and mass mobilization in response to the increasing authoritarian excesses and corruption of the Trump administration.
Trump’s unconstitutional actions include suppressing free speech, detaining people for their political positions, deporting American citizens, defying the courts, and much more – all while enriching himself and his billionaire allies.
“Now Donald Trump is planning a military parade in Washington, D.C. on June 14th. This display of might is intended to intimidate opponents and solidify his image as a strongman, while paying for it with taxpayer dollars.”, said Kelley Hatlee, a volunteer organizer with the Macoupin County 50501and Indivisible movements. “Instead of allowing this military parade to be the center of attention, the NO KINGS nationwide protests make action everywhere else the story of America on June 14th: people coming together in communities across the country to reject strongman politics and corruption.”, said Hatlee.
“We’re showing up together as neighbors, friends, and fellow community members to say NO to authoritarianism and yes to a government that serves everyone,” said Chelsa Pruden, a volunteer organizer with Macoupin PRIDE and Macoupin County 50501 and Indivisible. “We’re tired of watching powerful people trample our rights and our voices. This protest is about reminding everyone, especially those in power, that real strength comes from the people.”
Participants are encouraged to make protest signs that convey their personal messages. Packaged, nonperishable food items will be accepted for donation to local food pantries to help low-income families who will be hit hardest by Trump’s policies.
The NO KINGS protest in Carlinville is organized by a volunteer coalition of the Macoupin PRIDE and the Macoupin County 50501 and Indivisible grassroots movements. The coalition has created a Facebook page titled “Macoupin County 50501 and Indivisible” for concerned citizens to follow.