What makes December so different from the rest of the year? The calendar fills with Christmas concerts, gatherings with friends, lots of good food, and acts of charity. The community will have a chance to experience all of these in one evening, at the Haven of Wells. On Dec. 5, the family ministry will host its first fundraiser, Celebrate the Season.

Five couples met last summer and decided to rent the building formerly known as the Gateway. They spent many months of meetings filled with contracts forms and policies. Now with the legalities behind them, they are beginning to plan activities to serve the families of Wells. The Haven is not a new church. It is more like a church basement, offering programs and fellowship that people would find in most churches. The events are open to anyone who walks through the door. The goal is to offer support to both young and old in the Wells community.

Hors d’oeurves will be served at 5:30 p.m. Steve Klingbeil’s music will set the atmosphere for a special evening. A catered buffet featuring rosemary chicken and pork loin will be served at 6 p.m. A Christmas concert, featuring the vocal talent of Praise Him will delight guests, will also be featured.

Praise Him, from Ellendale, is driven by a commitment to the Gospel message. The group has a contemporary style and easy delivery. They will share the Christmas Story in word and song.

The group has been performing since 1991. What began as a small Bible study of four couples has grown into a music ministry that has shared God’s love at concerts, county fairs, and country churches. They have also recorded CDs. “We feel especially blessed that God has called us to minister with our spouses,” said Coleen Brekke, who sings in the group with her husband, Arlen.

“We’re excited to connect with other people, who love this community, and want to partner with us,” said Sharyn Miller, one of the organizers.

Other programs in the works are a Christmas party for families with young children, a New Year’s Eve party for couples, regular soup suppers during the winter months, and a Saturday breakfast series, aimed at the younger crowd, where they will be introduced to heroes from the Bible. Retreats and events for men and women will be in the works.

Any one with questions or needing ticket information may call Jody Wegner at (507) 456-3699.