Local churches plan holiday events

By Sam Waller

The Christmas season is being celebrated with a wide range of special activities and services at Albany churches.

Some pastors and congregations have not yet finalized plans for Christmas events. Any changes or additions will be publicized in future issues if requested.

First Baptist

First Baptist Church will host a family hayride on Sunday, Dec. 19.

The evening gets started at 5:30 p.m. with the assembly of gift baskets for shut-ins. In addition to partaking in a light sandwich supper, church members may submit a dozen cookies for a contest. Judging will be held in two categories – best decorated and best tasting, with separate divisions for children and adults,

The hayride will include caroling and delivery of the gift baskets. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

The group will return to FBC at 6:45 p.m. for s’mores and hot chocolate around the fire pits. A Christmas devotional will be held under the stars, and cookie contest winners will be announced.

First Baptist will also have a double helping of special Christmas services on Dec. 19 and 26, according to pastor JeffTurner.

First Christian

First Christian Church’s annual Sunday School Christmas party is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Friday, Dec. 17.

Pastor Brad McBee said First Christian will hold a special Christmas Eve service this year with a Texas Country Christmas. Randall Palmore and John Caldwell will provide music, and Sam Davis will read a Cowboy Christmas poem.

A candlelight communion will be part of the service.

First Methodist

First United Methodist Church has two special events for Sunday, Dec. 12.

Joseph Mendez, the Jerusalem Violinist, will perform during the regular worship service, which will start 15 minutes early at 10:45 a.m.

More information on Mendez can be found at ­jerusalemviolinist.net or on Mendez’s Facebook page.

Following the performance, FUMC will have a Christmas dinner in the Fellowship Hall.

A candlelight Christmas Eve service will start at 6:00 p.m. on Dec. 24.

Friendship Baptist

Friendship Baptist Church will hold its Children’s Nativity program during the Dec. 12 service, which starts at 11:00 a.m.

MMPC

Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church will host a candlelight service at 6:00 p.m. on Dec. 24.

The church’s 13th annual Christmas Day Feast from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 25 at the Fellowship Hall is open to everyone at no charge.

Meals are available for dine-in or pickup, with limited delivery to shut-ins and those unable to come to the church.

For information, call 325-762-2038.