Churches list Christmas events

By Kathy Thomson

The Christmas season is underway, and local churches are hosting numerous activities to spread Christmas spirit throughout the community.

Some pastors and congregations have not yet scheduled all of their Christmas events, and several could not be contacted before this week’s deadline. Any changes or additions will be publicized in a later issue, if requested.

Church of Christ

Members of the Church of Christ plan to gather at the church on Wednesday, Dec. 18, for caroling. 

“We will take the kids to houses in Albany to carol, and then return to the building for a meal,” said pastor Sonny McCauley.

First Baptist Church

There will be a First Baptist women’s Christmas gathering this Sunday, Dec. 8 at 4:00 p.m. at the home of Betsy Parsons. 

Participants in the FBC Wednesday night children’s program, Jesus and Me (JAM) will have a hay ride and caroling party on Wednesday, Dec. 11. 

The congregation will host a Christmas service on Sunday, Dec. 22 at 10:45 a.m., according to pastor Jeff Turner.

First Christian 

There will be a children’s Christmas program during the 11:00 a.m. morning worship service on Sunday, Dec. 16.

The next Sunday, Dec. 23, the 11:00 a.m. worship service will include a special choir Christmas cantata entitled On Christmas Day.

First Christian Church will hold a Christmas Eve candlelight service at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 24.

Everyone is invited to all of these events, according to church secretary Mary Rose.

First Methodist

First United Methodist Church will have special Advent services and sermons through the month of December, according to pastor Tim Trimble. 

On Sunday, Dec. 15 the church will have a Christmas meal and singing after the worship service. 

First United Methodist Church will have a Christmas Eve candlelight worship service at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 24.

“The community is invited,” said Trimble. 

Friendship Baptist

“We are postponing our usual first Sunday lunch until Dec. 15, to coincide with our children’s play,” said Friendship Baptist member Danita Johnston. “We will have stew and chili after church, pack bags for shut-ins, and deliver them and carol on our traditional hayride.”

Johnston said that Friendship would welcome anyone who wants to join their Christmas plans. 

“We would like to invite people to bring their children to participate in the program and enjoy the day with us,” she said. “Practices will be during Sunday School time until the 15th.”

MMPC

Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church will hold a Celebration of Remembrance in the sanctuary on Sunday, Dec. 8 at 6:00 p.m. 

“It’s a time during the holiday season to remember and honor family and friends who have passed before us,” said pastor’s assistant Sandy Ingalls. 

The church will have breakfast at 9:30 a.m., Sunday school at 10:00 a.m., and worship service at 11:00 a.m. every Sunday in Advent, Dec. 8, 15, and 22.

MMPC will have a 6:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service in the sanctuary on Monday, Dec. 24.

The Christmas Day Feast is Dec. 25 at 11:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall.  

“We will be serving turkey, beef tenderloin, green beans, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, rolls, and dessert,” said Ingalls. 

All of these events are open to the entire community.

Trinity Lutheran

Trinity Lutheran has weekly Wednesday night services during Advent, with a light supper starting at 6:00 p.m., followed by the Advent service at 7:00 p.m. Upcoming Advent services will be held on Dec. 11 and 18.

A children’s program service is set for Christmas Eve, Dec. 24 at 6:30 p.m., with a Christmas Day service at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 25. 

“The entire community is welcome to our Advent and Christmas services,” said pastor Tom Chandler.

Ministerial Alliance 

The Ministerial Alliance sponsored Believe Tree for Teens present pickup will be on the afternoon of Wednesday, Dec. 18 at the Feed Store.

Members of the Alliance will deliver Christmas Baskets between the hours of 2:00 and 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 22.

Feed Store

There will be a “Christmas Fiesta” fundraising fajita dinner at The Feed Store at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8. The meal will be free for children up to sixth grade, while adults will be charged $20 per meal.

Monies raised will be used to help offset some of the costs of a youth ski trip scheduled for Jan. 1-5.

The Feed Store will host an Ugly Sweater Christmas Party for junior and senior high school students on Monday, Dec. 9.