Victory Church is getting ready to celebrate Christmas with fun, meaningful programming and events over the next number of weeks.

On Monday, December 4 at 6:00 p.m., the Moose Jaw church is hosting a Gingerbread Family Night, and church administrator and communications director Kelly Boisclair is inviting the entire community to take part.

“We’ll be buying all the gingerbread stuff – the house, the candies,” she says. “You can have your family, your moms and dads, grandmas, grandpas, cousins and even your best friends come and build a gingerbread house!”

The event costs only $10, which covers everything. Participants simply have to register, either on Sunday morning at the Resource Centre or through the church’s dedicated Christmas website.

Then there’s the annual Christmas Banquet, taking place on subsequent Sundays: December 10 and 17, both beginning at 6:00 p.m. Victory Church’s banquets have become quite popular in recent years, which is why a second date was added this time around.

“We usually sell out, so this year we’re doing two Christmas Banquets,” Boisclair explains. “There’s going to be carolling, great food and amazing entertainment. It’s a great event for the whole family, and we want to encourage everyone to come out for it.”

Banquet tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for kids aged 5 to 12 and can be purchased Sundays at the Resources Centre or online.

Finally, Victory will be having three special Christmas Eve services on December 24, at 4:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

“It’s my favourite time of the year,” says Boisclair. “We’ll be having a children’s Christmas story, carolling and lots of other fun family things. You can come with your family; you can come alone. You can connect with a new community of people. We’ll also be serving warm drinks and cookies.”

Victory’s Christmas programming is in addition to what the church has going on a regular basis, such as kids’ programs, prayer groups and bible studies. For example, each Sunday morning they facilitate fun activities for all ages up to Grade 8. They enjoy video series, crafts, singing and other engaging activities.

The kids programs are held each Sunday during morning services, which are at 8:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

During the week, Victory Church arranges additional events that help bring people together. There are prayer groups that meet on Tuesdays, which Boisclair says include not only prayers but also discussions about things going on in life. Those are at 11:00 a.m. Bible studies, meanwhile, are organized for youth on Fridays at 7:15 p.m, and young adults meet Wednesday evenings.

Boisclair says Victory Church is always excited to welcome anyone, from anywhere, of any age – at Christmas and throughout the year.

“Check us out if you’re new to town,” she says. “If you have a family, or if you’re just unsure, we welcome everyone. And we’re excited to have you join us.”

Victory Church is located at 637 Main St. N in the heart of Moose Jaw. The church office can be reached by calling (306) 691-5051, and additional contact and programming information is available on their website.