In order to take some-much needed time off and to allow readers to focus on family and congregation during the Christmas holiday, the Presbyterian News Service (PNS) will be closed, except for emergencies, from Dec. 23-Jan. 4.

Stories will be posted on Dec. 22 and will resume Jan. 4, 2011. With the close of the year, PNS will have posted more than 1,000 stories in 2010.

PNS Coordinator Jerry Van Marter will be reachable by email and by cell phone at (502) 472-5106. PNS Reporter Bethany Furkin will be reachable by email and by cell phone at (502) 287-7497.

The Presbyterian News Service thanks readers for their loyalty, support and constructive criticism this year and wishes everyone the merriest of Christmases and the happiest of new years in 2011.

And now, more than ever, pray for peace.