TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Calvary Lutheran Celebrates Christmas In July!

Tribune photo by LOIS KINDLE

For the 14th year running, the Rev. Jack Palzer of Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church in Apollo Beach will host Christmas in July fellowship supper and fundraiser on July 23 to benefit Mary and Martha House.

ADVERTISEMENT

By LOIS KINDLE

The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 15, 2008

Updated:

APOLLO BEACH - For the 14th year in a row, Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church is bringing in Santa for a summertime event.

The Jolly Old Soul will be attending Calvary's annual Christmas in July fellowship supper and fundraiser July 23.

When he became Calvary's pastor in 1995, the Rev. Jack Palzer introduced the concept of involving the community in the missions of supporting Mary and Martha House, a shelter for battered women and their children, and collect supplies - backpacks, notebooks, paper and the like - for underprivileged students in local elementary and middle schools.

"The members fully embraced it," Palzer said. "They know it's important because the lives of others are touched by their giving. People are extremely generous when they feel they can make a difference and their money gets where it is intended to go.

"Every year, we raise thousands of dollars and back-to-school items."

Laurie Kepler, executive director of the Mary and Martha House, said she is grateful for the help.

"It's a truly wonderful event," she said. "I was there last year, and I was in awe of the stories Pastor Jack told and the generosity of the community."

Christmas in July is open to anyone in the community, Palzer said.

"We welcome family, friends, neighbors ... it's an opportunity for everyone to get involved by participating in a wonderful event."

As in past years, turkey dinner will start the evening at 6, followed by a Christmas carol sing-along 45 minutes later. At 7 p.m., Palzer will celebrate a Christmas worship service, complete with candles and bells a-ringing.

"Our volunteers spend days preparing hundreds of pounds of turkey, dressing, green beans and lots of strudel," Palzer said. "This is a lovingly prepared homemade meal."

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Christmas in July fellowship supper and fundraiser

WHERE: Calvary Lutheran Church, 5309 U.S. 41 N., Apollo Beach

WHEN: 6 p.m. July 23

COST: $7 per person, $25 per family

INFORMATION: (813) 645-1305

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT