Craft and bake sales are a welcome sign of the Christmas season, and last Saturday two Clearwater churches, St. Luke’s and Rejoice Lutheran, held their annual holiday sales to raise money and help residents out with their shopping and baking needs.

Saturday, residents stopped by Rejoice throughout the morning for the church’s annual European Christmas Coffee and Bake Sale. Served by Sunday school children dressed in their finest, guests were treated to Scandinavian and Christmas cookies, candies and hors d’oeuvres, as well as flavored coffees, teas and apple cider.

Attendees could also purchase a variety of homemade traditional holiday goodies, including breads, lefse, rosettes, krumkake, cookies and candies donated by members of the congregation.

Older youth entertained the crowd with instrumental holiday music throughout the event.

All money raised from the event is used for Rejoice youth.

Saturday morning also saw St. Luke’s holding their annual Craft and Cookie Stroll, where guests could choose from a large variety of homemade cookies, candies and crafts that were donated by parishioners for the event.

Attendees could also watch demonstrations of how some of the goodies were made, as well as trying the delicious treats for themselves before purchasing.

The money raised from St. Luke’s Craft and Cookie Stroll is used for youth and adult faith formation.