Local churches list Christmas activities

By Sandy Morris

The Christmas season is underway, and local churches are making adjustments to their traditional Christmas activities typically spread throughout the community. 

Some pastors and congregations have not yet decided on whether or not to hold all of their traditional Christmas events, Any changes or additions will be publicized in a later issue, if requested.

First Baptist Church

First Baptist Church will hold a deacon ordination this Sunday, Dec. 6., followed by a Christmas lunch in the Fellowship Hall. 

Participants in the FBC Wednesday night children’s program, Jesus and Me (JAM) will have a hay ride and caroling party on Wednesday, Dec. 9.

The kids’ meal will be served from 5:40 to 6:00 p.m. The hayride will run from 6:00 to 7:15 p.m. 

First Christian 

First Christian Church will hold an adult Sunday School Christmas party this Sunday, Dec. 6 at 6:00 p.m. 

The church will hold its traditional Christmas Eve candlelight communion service at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 24.

First Methodist

First United Methodist Church has put most Christmas activities on hold, according to pastor Tim Trimble. 

“We will continue to hold our weekly worship service, Monday Celebrate Recovery Group, and Wednesday Kids and Adult Bible studies,” said Trimble. 

Friendship Baptist

Friendship Baptist Church will hold their children’s Christmas program on Sunday, Dec. 13 at 11:00 a.m.

The church will hold its Christmas candlelight service on Sunday, Dec. 20 at 10:30 a.m. with no Sunday School that day. 

MMPC

Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church will host its fourth annual Cele-bration of Remembrance on Sunday, Dec. 6, at 4:00 p.m.

Because of the pandemic, the service will be held outside in the backyard area of MMPC, where Sunday services are currently being held. 

“This service is intended for all Albany residents, and I hope that all churches and citizens will participate,” said Debbie Hamilton, who is helping organize the event. “The purpose of the service during the holiday season is to honor family and friends who have passed on before us.” 

A highlight of the service includes an opportunity for each person attending to say the name or have the name read of individual(s) they want to honor. After that, they can light a candle in their memory. The candle can be taken home after the service.

“This is a great way to remember people who were important to you, especially those who are in your thoughts over the holidays,” said Hamilton.