Church briefs
Christmas ADVENT RETREAT will be held by the partner parishes of St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church in Grindstone and St. Hedwig Roman Catholic Church in Smock on Friday, Dec. 13, through Sunday, Dec. 15. The Rev. Justin Matro, professor of Mariology at St. Vincent Seminary, will be retreat leader. The retreat begins Friday at 7 p.m. with an opening talk by Rev. Matro within the Liturgy of the Word, followed by individual confessions with four to five priests present. Rev. Matro will be homilist at all weekend Masses, will hear confessions and be available for individual spiritual direction. The closing talk will take place at 7 p.m. on Sunday at St. Cecilia Church, followed by refreshments in the church hall. For more information, phone the parish at 724-677-2110.
BROWNFIELD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, corner of Hopwood-Fairchance Road and Brownfield Road, will host a drive-through live Nativity Dec. 14-15 from 7 to 9 p.m. Participating churches are Brownfield and Hopwood. For additional information, phone 724-437-1393.
CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL: The Christian Leaders Fellowship will sponsor an evening of lessons and carols, including a blessing of the region, at the seventh annual Christmas Festival at Heinz hall on Monday, Dec. 16, at 7:30 p.m. The program features 10 choirs with nearly 400 singers and a 27-piece orchestra. The audience will be able to join in singing several Christmas carols. Admission is free for the event, supported by the Pittsburgh Symphony Society. For tickets, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the Department for Communications, Diocese of Pittsburgh, 111 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh. Two tickets will be granted per request by mail on a first-come, first-served basis.
FARMINGTON FREE METHODIST CHURCH, Five Forks-Dinner Bell Road, will host a Christmas giveaway with new and used toys and clothing on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the fellowship hall. Anyone wishing to donate can call 724-329-4266.
GREAT BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH, 47 W. Fayette St., Uniontown, will perform the Christmas musical “Not a Creature Was Stirring’ on Sunday, Dec. 22, at 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Directed by Ken Keeling, choral director at Great Bethel and professor of music at Carnegie Mellon University, the musical features many talented artists from the church. With lively music and humorous drama, the play presents the Christmas story from the perspective of church mice and their feline friends. Both performances are free. For more information, phone 724-437-6161.
HILLTOP SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH, 535 Connellsville St., Uniontown, will have a Christmas toy giveaway Dec. 12 from 4 to 6 p.m. for children up to 12 years old. Children only will be permitted to select the toy of his or her choice. Donations of new or good used toys will be accepted at the church on Wednesdays from 6 to 7 p.m. For more information, phone 724-437-5510.
KLONDIKE CLERGY ASSOCIATION is sponsoring a community carol sing on Sunday at 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Masontown. Refreshments and fellowship will follow. Participants are invited to bring a plate of cookies to share.
MASONTOWN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH will host a drive-through Nativity on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the end of the parking lot of the German-Masontown Park. It will feature live actors portraying the Holy Family when Jesus was born. There will also be live animals, warm drinks for guests who drive through, music and a gift of a candy cane. For more information, phone 724-583-9207.
MOUNT ST. MACRINA RETREAT CENTER, Route 40, Uniontown, announces registration is due Wednesday for Christmas Preparation Day on Dec. 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Offering is $20; lunch is included Sister Barbara Jean Mihalchick is presenter. The program is meant to focus on the significance of the Christ event and help one prepare for the celebration of the feast. For more information, phone 724-438-7149.
ST. GEORGE MARONITE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 6 Lebanon Terrace, Uniontown, is announcing its holiday schedule: Traditional Christmas novena will be held Sunday, Dec. 15, through Monday, Dec. 23, at 7:15 p.m. On Saturday, Dec. 21, the novena will follow the 5 p.m. liturgy. Confessions at St. George are Dec. 11 at 5 p.m. for MCF/MYO students only; parish, Saturday, Dec. 14, from 4:15 to 4:45 p.m., parish, Sundays Dec. 15/22 from 10 to 10:20 a.m., and parish Saturday, Dec. 21, from 4:15 to 4:45 p.m. Area confession at other parishes are St. Mary, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m., Ss. Cyril and Methodius, Dec. 12 at 7 p.m., St. John Roman Catholic, Dec. 14 at 1 p.m., St. Joan of Arc, Dec. 15 at 3 p.m.; St. Therese, Dec. 16 at 7 p.m., St. Joseph, Dec. 17 at 7 p.m.
On Sunday, Dec. 15, at 10 a.m., MCF/MYO members will present “Six Stations of Christmas’ program. Regular 10:30 a.m. liturgy will be followed by the ladies’ guild Christmas breakfast and MCF party.
Christmas Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 24, at 5:30 p.m. is live Nativity and program by MCF/MYO. 6 and 9 p.m. are Christmas Divine Liturgies. Christmas Day, 10:30 a.m. only Divine Liturgy. New Year’s Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 5 p.m. Liturgy. New Year’s Day, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 10:30 a.m. Liturgy only. The Rev. Joseph R. David is pastor.
ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST PARISH IN UNIONTOWN will present an Advent program of song and Scripture on Sunday, Dec. 15, at 7 p.m. in conjunction with the parish family’s preparation for the Christmas Holy Day. Special light on of several stained-glass windows will help to focus on the Advent readings and music to be presented. Refreshments and fellowship will follow.
TYRONE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 194 Jimtown Road, off Route 819 between Dawson and Scottdale, will hold a Christmas Living Nativity on Dec. 6-7 from 6 to 8 p.m. The manger scene with characters and animals depicts the miracle of Christmas. Refreshments will be served in the church social room.
The congregation will go Christmas caroling Dec. 15 at 4 p.m. The church will hold its annual Christmas dinner on Dec. 22 at 4 p.m. Christmas games, singing and a covered dish dinner will be held. A candlelight Christmas Eve service will be held at the church at 7 p.m.
Today through next week:
ABUNDANT LIFE CHURCH, located at South Union Fire Hall near the corner of Lebanon Avenue and South Mount Vernon Avenue, Uniontown, worships Sunday at 10:45 a.m. Refreshments will be served at 10:25 a.m. Pastor Nicholas J. Cook will deliver the sermon “Elected and Responsible.’
ALLISON CHRISTIAN CHURCH announces the prayer family through Dec. 14 is Bill and Donna Sickle Smith. Dec. 8 and 15 acolyte will be Derek Lent. Worship leader is Rhonda Brashear. Dec. 6 youth group meets from 6:30 to 8 p.m. for school-age children. Dec. 10, the board meeting is at 7 p.m. All members of the church are welcome to attend. The nominating committee was appointed. Members are Paul Rosneck, Stephanie McCormick and Karla Lent.
ASBURY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, corner of Beeson Avenue and Dunbar Street in Uniontown, will celebrate the second Sunday of Advent at the 9 a.m. worship service with the lighting of two candles in the Advent wreath. This more casual service features praise choruses and hymns led by the Rev. James Fogg, accompanied by Jim Hutchinson, and Rev. Fogg’s message “Baptism of Repentance.’ The 11 a.m. worship service includes Rev. Fogg’s message, lighting of the Advent wreath and special music by the Asbury Chancel Choir, directed by William Dreucci and accompanied by Hutchinson on organ. Loving Nursery Care is available for infants and children under 4. Children’s church is available for children age 4 and older. The Asbury United Methodist Fellowship meets from 6:30 to 8 p.m. for youths in grades six to 12.
BROWNSVILLE UNITED METHODIST CHARGE observes the second Sunday of Advent with worship at West Bend at 8:30 a.m., South Brownsville at 10 a.m. and Brownsville First at 11 a.m. The Rev. Paul E. Wilson Sr. will speak on “Radiant Rejoicing.’ On Tuesday, administrative council meets at West Bend at 7 p.m. On Wednesday, small groups meet at South Church at 10:30 a.m., and the cantata choir practices at First Church at 7 p.m. On Thursday, trustees meet at South Church at 6:30 p.m. and the administrative council meets at South Church at 7 p.m., followed by pizza and fellowship at Elmo’s. On Dec. 15 at 11 a.m., there will be a charge service featuring the Christmas cantata “On Christmas Day,’ followed by the charge Christmas dinner at First Church. For more information about any of the Brownsville charge churches, phone the charge office at 724-785-8704.
CALVARY UNITED METHO-DIST CHURCH, located at Clark Street and Collins Avenue, Uniontown, will have a Saturday worship and praise service at 5:30 p.m. with Free Spirit as this week’s leaders.
Sunday worship at 9:30 a.m. will feature the chancel choir, directed by Paul Cramer. Tina Whitehead will deliver the children’s sermon. The angel tree ministry will be part of the service. Members of the congregation will be invited forward to choose the name of an at-risk child for whom to purchase a Christmas present. Members are encouraged to bring gloves and mittens to place on the tree. The Rev. Dr. Thomas Whitehead will preach “Prepare the Way.’ A fully staffed nursery and babyland are available.
CHERRY TREE ALLIANCE CHURCH, 640 Cherry Tree Lane, Uniontown, across from Uniontown Wal-Mart, worships Sunday at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m., when the Rev. Jack Herman will continue his series of messages entitled “The Way to True Life,’ based on Jesus’ last night of teaching on Earth. This Sunday’s message will be ” Jesus’ Christmas Wish List.’ The praise team will lead the 8:30 a.m. service, while Patricia Miller and Ed Fearer will be the instrumentalists at the 10:45 a.m. service. Special music will be presented in the 10:45 a.m. service by The Ladies’ Trio: Bertie Batcho, Flo Ellenberger and Juanita Cramer. At 6 p.m., there will be a congregation meeting dealing with special church business. Also, at 6 p.m., the children will participate in Kids on a Mission program and teen-agers have their own contemporary Power Jam service in fellowship hall.
CHRIST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, Uniontown, announces the Leland Class on Sunday is broadcast on WMBS Radio at 10:10 a.m. The second Sunday of Advent is Youth Sunday when members of UNITY Youth Sunday class will lead the 10:45 a.m. worship. Greg Lawson, lay speaker, will officiate. Christmas carols will be sung. The senior choir will sing, directed by organist Carol Atwood.
On Monday, Christ United Methodist Church and other United Methodist churches will lead DISCIPLE Bible study at the Fayette County Jail Annex at 6 p.m., while the Barbershoppers will rehearse in the church basement at 7:30 p.m. On Tuesday, the Adrian Bible Class will celebrate their annual Christmas party at Becker’s Shadyside Inn at 12:30 p.m. Reservations are required. Carol Atwood will provide entertainment. At 7:30 p.m., Rev. Jones will help officiate at the Point Marion Cluster Conference, convening at Smithfield United Methodist Church. Kids’ Morning Out preschool ministry will take place in the church nursery room Wednesday and Friday at 9:30 a.m. The administrative board meets Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in the basement Leland Class with Jerry Shell Jr. officiating. On Thursday, the senior choir rehearses in the Leland Class at 7 p.m.
CITY CHAPEL OF UNIONTOWN, 254 E. Main St., reports Deacon Marvin Wright has announced his calling to preach the Gospel and with the support of his pastor, the Rev. Leonard Kirby, he will preach his first public sermon on Saturday at 7 p.m. at City Chapel. Wright is a lifelong member of City Chapel. He holds the offices of deacon and choir director.
CLARKSVILLE AND MILLSBORO CHURCHES welcomes guest Colleen Fine to lead worship at 9 a.m. at the Pleasant Valley Presbyterian Church, Market Street, Clarksville, and at 10:30 a.m. at the Millsboro Presbyterian Church, Mill Street.
COVE RUN FREE METHODIST CHURCH, located at 345 Yauger Hollow Road, Lemont Furnace, welcomes the Down East Boys in concert on Saturday at 7 p.m. They include owner and manager Ricky Carden, who joined the group in 1990 as lead vocalist. He previously sung with his family and with Southern gospel artists The Hoppers. Carden assumed ownership of the Down East Boys in 1994, when the founder and owner retired. Baritone John Stilley of North Carolina joined the Down East Boys in February 2000. Raised in a musical family and a veteran of the United States Army, Stilley majored in vocal performance at the University of North Carolina with experience in opera, oratorio and musical theatre. He has traveled with his family group and teaches voice. Tenor Wesley Anders, also of North Carolina, joined the Down East Boys in July 2000. He began his musical career with the Melody Heirs in Greenville, S.C., a year before joining the Down East Boys. He was honored to perform a solo for President Bill Clinton while attending South Western University in Cullowhee, N.C. Bass singer Stuart Cary, newest member of the Down East Boys, comes from Ruston, La. He sang with the Cannanland Boys in Jacksonville, Fla., in 1998 and the Heartland Boys of Lexington, Ky., in 2002.
The Down East Boys have traveled throughout the United States and Canada, participating in crusades in several states with affiliates of the Billy Graham Association: Dr. Jim Wilson, Dr. Ralph Bell and Franklin Graham. They have worked with evangelists Kelly Green, Rick Stanley and Jay Strack. They have participated in a variety of events, ranging from state evangelism conferences to chapel services at NASCAR events as well as the annual Singing By the Sea in Morehead City, N.C.
Their awards include 1990 Singing New Magazine Fan Award, Horizon Group of the Year, Governor’s Award for Musical Excellence in North Carolina, Mayor’s Award for Musical Excellence in Jacksonville, N.C.
DUNLAP’S CREEK CHURCH, 502 Twin Hills Road, Merrittstown, also known as the Old Stone Church, welcomes the Rev. Andrew Slade as guest minister to Sunday’s 11 a.m. worship service. R.J. Thorpe will light the Advent candles.
FAITH ASSEMBLY OF GOD, 690 Morgantown Road, Uniontown, worships Sunday at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. when the Rev. Donald J. Immel preaches a sermon entitled, “God – The Great Example of Giving.’ The children’s ministry will present their Christmas program during the 10:30 a.m. service. At 6:30 p.m., the youths will present their Christmas program with the Rev. Jason Lamer, youth pastor. A well-staffed nursery is available during all services. Transportation is available by calling Rev. Lamer at 724-437-8101. Images of a Perfect Christmas will be held Dec. 20-22 at 7 p.m.
FAITH FELLOWSHIP CHURCH, Oliver Road, Uniontown, announces the Rev. Gerald Capan will deliver the message “Preparing for Christmas’ at Sunday’s 11 a.m. worship service. Children’s church and puppet ministry will be Thursday at 6 p.m. For more information or transportation, phone the church at 724-439-2450 or e-mail the Rev. Gerald Capan at GAC@LCSYS.NET or the Web site at FORMINISTRY.COM /15401FFC.
FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH (DISCIPLES OF CHRIST), OF BROWNSVILLE, 512 Second St., worships Sunday at 10:45 a.m. with an elder-led Communion service. The Rev. J.W. Hormell delivers Scripture-inspired sermons. A nursery is available during worship. Anyone interested in Christmas caroling should meet at the church on Sunday at 5 p.m. with fellowship held at the church afterwards. The 2nd Circle Women’s Fellowship meets Mondays at 6:30 p.m. Choir practice is held Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. For more information, phone 724-785-2488.
FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH (DISCIPLES OF CHRIST), OF REPUBLIC, announces the second Sunday of Advent will be celebrated with the lighting of the second candle during the 10:55 a.m. worship service. Elder Ken VanSickle will deliver the message and the chancel choir will sing. A supervised nursery and second hour are held in conjunction with the service, directed by Rita Ballone. Justin Gibson is acolyte, and the congregation will be greeted by Anna Stump and Linda Sparks.
The Senior Fellowship Ministry will gather for their Christmas party on Thursday at 11 a.m. in fellowship hall, followed by the chancel choir Christmas gathering and practice at the home of Brenda Del Signore at 7 p.m. The food bank Christmas party will be held Friday at 5 p.m. in fellowship hall. For more information, phone the church at 724-246-9387.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, located at Fourth and Liberty streets, California, announces the Rev. Norman Hunt will give the sermon “The Glory of the Lord’ at Sunday’s 10 a.m. worship service. A children’s sermon will be given. The Advent wreath ceremony will continue. Nursery care is available every Sunday. George and Monna McFadyen will host coffee hour. Cherie Sears will be Sunday school teacher. The choir, directed by Elder Edie Skekel and accompanied by organist Carolyn Davis, will perform. The Daisytown Presbyterian Church will hold its service at 11:45 a.m. For more information about First Presbyterian, phone the church at 724-938-7676.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 114 W. Church St., Fairchance, worships Sunday at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Dr. Joey Hickok. On Saturday at 5 p.m., the church will present “The Word is Love.’ Birthday celebrant is Rebecca Harmon, Dec. 13. Nursery accommodations are available, please ask an usher. For more information on First Presbyterian, phone the church office at 724-564-2042 or e-mail at fpcf@charterpa.net.
FORT BURD UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF BROWNS-VILLE, located next to Brownsville General Hospital, announces the Turner Family will lead the congregation in the lighting of the Advent candles at Sunday’s 11 a.m. worship. The bulletins are given in memory of Camilla Patterson by Kathy Haluska. The adult choir, directed by Thomas Rishel, will perform. Worship will include a special time for youths. There is a staffed nursery for preschool-age children sponsored by the deacons. Choir practice will take place following worship. The Session will meet Wednesday at 7 p.m. and the monthly special offering for the Brownsville Soup Kitchen will be held next Sunday. For more information, phone the church at 724-785-3080.
GIG COFFEE HOUSE, Route 857, south toward Fairchance in the Old Wynn Bargain Store, welcomes The Messengers in concert today from 8 to 10 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. This is part of Good Works, the Life recovery center. The snack counter is opened. For more information, phone 724-564-1516.
GRACE BRETHREN CHURCH, 2 Grace Lane, off Derrick Avenue, Uniontown, announces the Rev. Nick Philiposian will bring the message “Call Him Jesus’ at Sunday’s 10:30 a.m. worship service. For more information, phone the office at 724-437-3401.
GREAT BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH, 47 W. Fayette St., Uniontown, worships Sunday at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Mike Hall bringing the message. Calling the church at 724-437-6161 provides transportation and a nursery.
Musical rehearsal is Sunday from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Junior and Senior BYF will be held Sunday. On Monday, cabinet meeting is at 6:45 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; all church boards meet at the church. Tuesday, Bethel Plus will hold its Christmas party at noon with a catered meal at the church and dartball will be held at 7:30 p.m. with Great Bethel at New Salem. On Wednesday, family supper is at 5:30 p.m., Bible study is at 6:30 p.m., Christmas musical is at 6:30 p.m. and choir is at 7:30 p.m. On Thursday at 10 a.m., MBA Ministers will meet in the library while ABW will have their workday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
HILLTOP SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH, 535 Connellsville St., Uniontown, announces the Rev. David Klinedinst continues his sermon series on the Book of Revelation with “Discover the Church of Thyatira: The Corrupt Church’ Saturday at 11:45 a.m. worship.
HOPEWELL UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 400 Hopewell Road, Brownsville, worships Sunday at 11 a.m. when the second Advent candle, representing peace, will be lit. The reading “Seeing Through Divine Eyes’ from the book “From the Grip of Grace’ will be presented. The Rev. Gail E. Mason’s sermon is “Look to the Eternal.’ Janet Adamovich is guest organist.
JACOB’S LUTHERAN CHURCH, located off Routes 21 and 166 (follow signs from the Marathon service station), Masontown, celebrates Holy Communion at Sunday’s 9 a.m. worship service. A full liturgical service is included. The church telephone number is 724-583-9040 and the e-mail address is jacob98@lcsys.net.
MALDEN CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP (FULL GOSPEL-NON DENOMINATIONAL), located three miles west of West Browns-ville on Old Route 40 at Malden, worships Sunday at 10:30 a.m. with special Christmas music and Advent. Bible study is Wednesday at 7 p.m. The Rev. David White is pastor.
MCCLELLANDTOWN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, Route 21, Church Hill, welcomes the Rev. Sandra McCain as guest speaker at Sunday’s 9:30 a.m. worship. Her sermon is “Real Joy – It’s Wonderful.’ McCain earned a bachelor of science degree in English and a master of science degree in reading from California University of Pennsylvania and retired from public school teaching after 35 years. She was ordained to the Gospel ministry on March 3, 2000, and presently serves Mount Lebanon Baptist Church of Brownsville as an associate minister. She and her husband, Deacon Lincoln McCain, reside in Grindstone. They have three grown children and two grandchildren.
Reservations for the church Christmas party on Friday, Dec. 13, with dinner at 6 p.m. must be made with Mary Ann Saluga, 724-438-2401, by Sunday. Meat, rolls, beverages and table service will be provided. Those attending are asked to bring a covered dish to share. Christmas poinsettias can be ordered at $6.75 each from Tim Christopher at 724-737-6626 until Dec. 17.
MORNING STAR BAPTIST CHURCH, Newell, announces the coffeehouse will be closed until January. Sunday worship is at 10 a.m. with special music by the Rev. Mitch Wall. Wednesday Bible study and prayer begins at 7 p.m. For more information, contact the Rev. Mitch Wall at 724-938-2712.
MOUNT LEBANON BAPTIST CHURCH, Baltimore Street, Brownsville, announces the Chrysanthemum Club is sponsoring a bus trip to go shopping and see the Festival of Lights in Wheeling, W.Va., on Saturday. Price is $30, which includes admission, transportation and a buffet dinner. Bus pickup will be in Brownsville, California, Monessen and Belle Vernon Park and Ride. For more information, contact Tonya Kirkland at 724-785-4691 or 724-938-4303.
NEW GENEVA BAPTIST CHURCH, Front Street, announces the Advent Candle of Hope will be lit in Sunday’s 9:30 a.m. worship service. Special music will be presented by Dolores Sangston and Eleanor Moore. The Rev. Robert J. Robinson will deliver the message “And Jesus Begat.’ Children’s Christmas practice will be Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. The ladies Caring Hands Fellowship will meet Thursday at 6:30 p.m. The revealing of the secret prayer partner and gift exchange will be observed.
OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP/ST. MARY’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH IN LECKRONE will mark the closing of the celebration of its 100th anniversary with a Mass on Saturday at 5 p.m. There will be a reception afterwards, followed by dinner and a dance. For information on the dinner/dance, phone Mary Ann Hritz at 724-583-9204.
PLEASANT VIEW PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, located two miles west of Smock at the intersection of the Pleasant View and Royal roads, will observe the second Sunday of Advent as Come In Out of the Cold Bring A Friend Sunday at the 11 a.m. worship service. Officials said, “We hope to more than double our regular Sunday worship service. Friends and neighbors around the community are always invited to worship at Pleasant View and we hope these folks will make a special point of doing so on Dec. 8.’
The Rev. Keith Conover, pastor, will preach the sermon “Isaiah, PennDOT, John the Baptist and Dogs.’ The second candle on the Advent wreath will be lit by Rory and Jill Price. Special music will be provided by the handbell choir and the adult vocal choir under the direction of Elaine Thomas and saxophonists Steve Grahek and Lee Ann Conover. Sandra Leichliter will serve as organist and Heather Mazur will be the small talker for the service. Assisting in worship leadership will be student associate Helen Kester. Greeters will be Joe and Mary Peroni, Ellen Skergan and Evelyn Herring. An adult supervised nursery is provided for preschool children.
PVPC’s Sunday school is sponsoring Advent workshops each Sunday through Dec. 22 from 9:45 to 10:40 a.m. The first week, participants made Advent wreaths. Now, they will make Christian tree ornaments. All ages are welcome. Parents are encouraged to join their children. No special skills or previous experience is necessary.
ROSCOE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 300 Main St., announces the chancel choir will sing “A Carol Melody’ at the 11 a.m. Sunday worship service. This is part of an Advent worship service, which will include the singing of five Advent carols and Advent musical responses by the congregation. Betty Ermlick, church organist, will accompany the singing. Mary Catherine Schmidt directs the choir. William and Penny Stanick will lead the Advent candle service and the lighting of the Advent candle. “Let It Be’ is the title of the Advent message by the Rev. Dr. John Rankin. The loose offering received at the service will support the missions of the deacons. The Janet Ray Circle will hold its annual Christmas dinner meeting at 6 p.m. on Monday. Call Arlene Shipley, president, for more information.
SS. CYRIL AND METHODIUS ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH IN FAIRCHANCE announces the church will hold the Holy Hour of Grace on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on Monday from noon to 1 p.m. Prayers will include the 51st Psalm (The Miserere: Prayer of Repentence) and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
ST. GEORGE SERBIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH IN CARMICHAELS will attend the 40th anniversary memorial program of the Robena Mine Disaster held by the United Mine Workers today at 11 a.m. at the Robena Memorial on Route 21 not far from the church. The Very Rev. Lt. Col. Adam Yonitch of Holy Ascension Serbian Orthodox Church and former parish priest of St. George Church will offer the opening and closing prayers. Rev. Yonitch serves with the United States Air Force Reserves as a military chaplain. St. George Church was built and has been maintained primarily by miners and the families of miners and is represented at the memorial program each year. The Rev. Rodney Torbic is pastor.
ST. HUGH ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 408 Route 88, Carmichaels, announces FIAT, a contemporary rock band, will perform on Sunday at 6 p.m. For more information, phone 724-966-7270.
ST. PAUL’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 71 N. Gallatin Ave., Uniontown, will light the Angels’ Candle on Sunday to celebrate the second Sunday of Advent at the 10:45 a.m. worship service with the Rev. Paul N. Frank Jr. delivering the sermon “Would You Please Listen to Me?” For more information, call 724-437-9000 or e-mail at splcu@dp.net or visit the Web site at www.stpaulselcauniontown.org.
ST. PETER’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 60 Morgantown St., Uniontown, will celebrate the second Sunday of Advent with the Holy Eucharist on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. and Sunday at 8 and 10:30 a.m. Serving as chalice bearers and lectors will be James Wood, Robert Springer and Van Evans. Crucifer and acolytes are Paul Taylor, Kayla Warren and Darren Webster. Altar guild members for the month of December are Jeanne Litman, Frances Chaney and Jo Cornish Brownfield. The Rev. Thomas R. Finnie is rector. For further information, phone 724-438-7731.
ST. PETER’S LUTHERAN CHURCH, EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH OF AMERICA, 121 Walnut Hill Road, Uniontown, will celebrate the second Sunday in Advent at its 10:30 a.m. worship service with Holy Communion. Kid’s Time with God, a program for children ages 2 through 10, will be held in Noah’s Room. A special congregational meeting will be held immediately after worship for the purpose of approving the 2003 budget. Fellowship time will follow worship. The Rev. Bernard W. Carl is pastor. For more information, phone 724-439-5884 or e-mail the pastor at PastorCarl9@aol.com.
SPRINGHILL FURNACE CHURCH, 2459 Springhill Furnace Road, Lake Lynn, worships Sunday at 9:30 a.m. with the Rev. Dr. Joey Hickok. For more information, phone 724-564-2042 or e-mail fpcf@chaterpa.net.
TENT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, Route 119, south of Uniontown, observes the second Sunday of Advent at 9:30 a.m. worship with lay minister Harry Wilson who will give the message “We Can Learn From Joseph.’ Birthday celebrants are Megan Bittinger, Merchant Anthony Brownfield and Kaylee Ann Franks.TRAVEL WITH JESUS, Union Station Building in Brownsville, meets today from 8 to 11 p.m. for Bible sharing; Holy Communion and prayer for revival of Brownsville. There is Bible sharing Wednesdays at 8 p.m. Travel With Jesus offers food, clothing and prayer Monday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m. For more information, call Brother Rich Wilson at 724-434-1149.
TRINITY UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, corner of Morgantown and West Fayette streets, Uniontown, worships Sunday at 11 a.m. on the second Sunday of Advent. The second Advent candle will be lit by Kish Stark and daughters Abby and Emily. The Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Kisner, interim pastor, will bring he sermon “Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning.’ A nursery is provided for children age 5 and younger during worship. The service is broadcast live over radio station WMBS at 11:06 a.m. For more information, phone the church office at 724-437-2709 or by checking the Web site at www.forministry.com/15401TPC3.
UNIONTOWN CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN, 20 Robinson St., worships Sunday at 10:30 a.m. when the Rev. Dr. Neil Hoppe will bring the message “Out of Darkness – Light.’ Clara Kendall will be storyteller. The chancel choir will provide special music. The youths will continue with their banner presentation and lighting of the Advent candles. Valet parking and personal ear monitors are offered. The church is open at 8:30 a.m. for prayer and praise. Bible study is Wednesday at 10 a.m. For more information, phone the office at 724-438-8372.
UNIONTOWN CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST, 55 Butler St., will have Appreciation Day on Sunday at 5 p.m. Guest speaker will be the Rev. Erick Johnson of John Wesley African Methodist Episcopal Church. The Rev. Allen and evangelist Luann Johnson are pastors.
Future
TOURS PLANNED: A tour to France, including Paris and Lisieux, is scheduled for the Lenten season, March 10-17. An extensive tour of France will be held April 21-May 2. Space is limited for all trips. For a detailed packet on the tour you are interested in, call 800-242-0728 or fax a request to 724-543-2938.