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The church will present its annual Christmas program, "Jesus, God's Precious Gift," at 4:30 p.m. and again at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday. Prior to the program, reindeer sleigh rides will be offered from 3-4 p.m.

The program features the reading and re-enactment of the Christmas story, complete with Christmas carols. Guests will be treated to homemade Christmas cookies, apple cider, and bags of candy and nuts.

Guests may bring Christmas gifts, toys, or canned foods to place under the tree. These items will be distributed by the Paynesville Community Service Center to families in need.

Salem Church - located five miles north of Paynesville - will host its annual Christmas program on Saturday, Dec. 20, at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m.

A freewill offering will be taken during each program for the Salem Church Restoration Fund. While the church has been closed since 1968 - when the Evangelical Church merged with the Methodist Church - friends of the church and former members have worked to restore the church. Projects that have been completed include the repair of the stained glass windows, refinishing the church basement, installing two furnaces, and refurbishing the yellow brick exterior of the church.

Salem Church is located five miles north of Paynesville on 220th Street. From Paynesville, take Co. Rd. 33 north for four miles. Then turn left on 220th Street, a gravel road. Salem Church is located about a half mile west on 220th Street from Co. Rd. 33.