Church briefs
Today through New Year’s: ABUNDANT LIFE CHURCH, located at 1239 Brownfield Road, Uniontown, will hold a worship service Saturday at 6 p.m. with Pastor J. Edward Loukota delivering the message. On Sunday, the church offers Bible study for all ages at 9:30 a.m. Refreshments will be served at 10:20 a.m. Worship begins at 10:45 a.m. Special music will be provided by Hannah Hearn. Pastor Nicholas Cook will deliver the sermon “Christmas.’ The worship service is broadcast Sundays at 9 a.m. on cable television CUTV and there is a radio broadcast at 7:10 a.m. on WMBS.
ASBURY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, corner of Beeson Avenue and Dunbar Street in Uniontown, announces on Sunday the casual 9 a.m. service will feature the lighting of the Advent Wreath, praise choruses and hymns, accompanied by Kevin Milliken, and the Rev. Thomas E. Brown’s message “The Sad Part About Christmas.’ Sunday school classes will join together in fellowship hall at 10 a.m. for the children’s Sunday school Christmas program entitled “The Baby King.’ Refreshments will be served following the program.
The traditional 11 a.m. service features lighting of the Advent Wreath, Rev. Brown’s message and special music by the Asbury Chancel Choir, directed by Bill Dreucci, organist Jim Hutchinson and pianist Kevin Milliken. Loving Nursery Care is available for infants and children under 4. Children’s church is available for all children age 4 and older. For further details, phone 724-438-5655.
Christmas Eve services include a 7 p.m. Family Candle Lighting Service and 10 p.m. Service of Communion and Lights.
BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH, 1167 National Pike, Hopwood, directly across from the Amoco gas station, announces “We invite you to celebrate the Christmas season with us.’ The church offers worship Sunday at 10:30 a.m. when the Rev. Bryan Kelley is to preach “When You Are Following a Star and Find a Manger.’ On Christmas Eve at 6 p.m., the church will gather together for a time of singing, celebration and an opportunity to share what Christmas means to them. For a ride or more information, phone 724-984-3724.
BIBLE BAPTIST CHURCH, 1 Evergreen Terrace, Uniontown, will offer a special Christmas cantata called “His Very Own Star’ on Sunday at 7 p.m. The program will feature the Bible Baptist Singers and the ladies groups celebrating Christmas in song with the program “Once Upon A Child.’ The church will have a 6 p.m. candlelight Christmas Eve service on Wednesday. This special time will take the place of the regularly scheduled Wednesday 7:30 p.m. time. Sunday school is at 10 a.m. Worship on Sunday is at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.
BROWNSVILLE UNITED METHODIST CHARGE observes the fourth Sunday of Advent when the Rev. Paul E. Wilson Sr. speaks on “Let’s Keep Christmas.’ Worship is at West Bend at 8:30 a.m., South Brownsville at 10 a.m. and Brownsville First at 11 a.m. South Brownsville offers Sunday school for adults at 9 a.m. and children at 10 a.m. while Brownsville First offers Sunday school for adults and children at 9:45 a.m. This is the last day for collection of non-perishable food items at both First Church and South Church. The Christmas offering will be received Sunday and Wednesday. Christmas Eve service is at 7 p.m. Wednesday at South Church and 9 p.m. at First Church. For more information about any of the Brownsville charge churches, phone the charge office at 724-785-8704.
CALVARY APOSTOLIC CHURCH, located on Rolling Hills Estate Road in North Union Township between Sylvan Heights Cemetery and the PennDOT facilities, announces a special Sunday program featuring a Christmas play and dramatic presentation will begin at 10 a.m. The annual Christmas dinner will be at 6 p.m. There is no Wednesday evening service. For more information, phone 724-438-5052 or visit the Web site at www.calvaryapostolicchurch.org.
CALVARY CHAPEL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL IN FREDERICKTOWN is presenting “Psalty’s Christmas Calamity!’ today at 7 p.m. The performance is done by students in the second through fourth grades and will take place in the sanctuary of Calvary Chapel of Fredericktown, located along Route 88. Admission is free.
CALVARY CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE, CALIFORNIA, 777 Promised Land Drive, announces Christmas services will begin with a children’s program at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday. The adult choir, directed by Gayle Marghella, will present a cantata entitled “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.’ Members of the congregation will meet at the church at 6 p.m. Sunday to go Christmas caroling to area nursing homes and homes of shut-ins. The annual Christmas Eve service will begin at 7 p.m. Candlelight Communion will be observed. The Rev. Barry Mohney is pastor.
CALVARY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, located at Clark Street and Collins Avenue, Uniontown, will celebrate the fourth Sunday of Advent at its 9:30 a.m. service with the chancel choir presenting its Christmas cantata “A Festive Celebration of Christmas Joy,’ directed by Roddy Hibbs, music director. Members are reminded to bring their Angel Tree presents for the Mitten Tree. Youths need to meet at the church at 4 p.m. to go Christmas caroling. A fully staffed babyland and nursery are available.
The church will celebrate Christmas Eve worship at its 6:30 p.m. family worship and its 11 p.m. traditional worship service. Both services will feature a candlelighting service. The family service will feature musical presentations from the children of the congregation. The traditional service will feature an anthem by the chancel choir. The Rev. Dr. Thomas Whitehead will preach “Our Blessed Hope.’ Christmas carols will be a major part of each service.
CALVIN UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 307 Spring St., Brownsville, announces there is play practice on Sunday at 9 a.m. and worship at 10 a.m. with lighting of the Advent candles and the children’s play “O Christmas Tree.’ The Christmas cantata “The Meaning of Christmas’ will be presented. The children’s Christmas party is at 11 a.m. On Wednesday, the church will have Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion at 9 p.m.
CENTRAL CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF UNIONTOWN, 23 S. Gallatin Ave., will have Saturday Night Central, a contemporary prayer and praise-style worship service, at 6 p.m. The CCC Singers will present special music and the Rev. Art Mace will give the message.
The fourth Sunday of Advent will be observed at 10:30 a.m. worship, when Rev. Mace, senior minister, will deliver the sermon “Are You Ready for Christmas?’ and the children’s message “The Best Present.’ There will also be a special celebration of all the children who were dedicated at Central this past year. Denise Zundel will be organist. Children’s church is available for age three to third grade. Nursery and preschool care are available during Sunday morning worship, which can also be seen Sunday at 5 p.m. on cable television channel 21. Adult Sunday school classes begin at 9:30 a.m. For more information, phone 724-438-6821.
CHERRY TREE ALLIANCE CHURCH, 640 Cherry Tree Lane, Uniontown, across from Uniontown Wal-Mart, worships Sunday at 8:30 and 10:45 a.m. The Rev. Jack Herman will continue the series “Christmas: Celebrating God’s Greatest Self-Revelation.’ This Sunday’s message will be “The Glory of Christmas.’ 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 both morning services by Becky Heubner and in the 8:30 a.m. service by Rachel Stange. The children’s Christmas program “It Happened In the Country,’ directed by Jodie Martucci and Bethany Ruth, will be presented at 6 p.m., followed by a cookie social.
On Wednesday, Christmas Eve Service will begin at 6 p.m. with a special instrumental recital followed by a New England Candlelight Service from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
CHRIST CHURCH, a parish in the Anglican Communion, 319 Church St., Brownsville, announces the fourth Sunday of Advent will be celebrated with worship at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday. On Sunday, adult Sunday school will be at 9:15, and intercessory prayer is at 10:15 a.m. in the sanctuary. There is KIDSCHURCH at 10:25 a.m. in the rectory. Corporate worship service is at 10:30 a.m. Worship services will continue to be held on both Saturdays at 5:30 p.m. and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. during December. The Hanging of the Greens will take place Sunday at 1 p.m. Christmas service schedule includes Candlelight Christmas Eve Holy Eucharist at 10 p.m. on Wednesday and Holy Eucharist is at 9 a.m. on Christmas Day. The Rev. Stanley A. Burdock is pastor. For further information or directions to the church, phone 724-785-7958.
CHRISTIAN CENTER CHURCH, located on Ridge Road off Route 51 in Belle Vernon, will offer a candlelight Communion service on Christmas Eve at 6 p.m. Recording artists Mary Blocher and Greg Capozzi will appear. Officials said, “Come listen as they help us celebrate the true meaning of Christmas – Jesus.’
CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE, 8 Jeffrey Lane, off Route 857, Uniontown, announces on Sunday, the choir will present “Born Is the King’ at the 10:50 a.m. service. The praise team will present “A Special Christmas’ in music at the 6 p.m. service. On Wednesday, the church will have a Candlelight Christmas Eve Service at 7 p.m. For more information, phone 724-437-1035 or 724-437-0115. The Rev. Howard Foust is pastor.
CLARKSVILLE AND MILLSBORO CHURCHES announce Colleen Molinaro will lead worship Sunday 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. A joint Christmas Eve worship service will be held at Pleasant Valley Presbyterian Church in Clarksville at 7 p.m.
CLARKSVILLE CHRISTIAN CHURCH, located on Market Street, will have its annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Service on Wednesday at 7 p.m.
COMMUNITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 1264 W. Penn Blvd., Uniontown, offers worship on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and Sunday school at 10:45 a.m. On Christmas Eve, there is a candlelight service at 9 p.m. Pastors are the Rev. Roger Howard and the Rev. Daniel Brant.
COVENANT BAPTIST CHURCH, 148 Union St., Uniontown, announces six people were baptized recently and will be received into church membership where they will be trained in Bible doctrine and go forward as developing disciples of Christ. The Rev. Charles Barnhart and the Rev. Dennis Cox led this special service. The six were Rebekah Edwards, Bonnie and John Lynch, Matthew Thorpe and his mother, Ruth Thorpe, and Beverly Sue Skinner. Sunday services are at 10:30 a.m. with Sunday school classes at 9:30 a.m. For more information, phone 724-430-8172.
DAWSON UNITED METHO-DIST CHARGE on Sunday at 7 p.m. will have “A Night of Christmas Music’ at Vanderbilt United Methodist Church, located on Route 201, with carol singing and special music. Christmas Eve worship services are as follows: 7 p.m. Christmas cantata service at Vanderbilt United Methodist Church, 8:30 p.m. traditional candlelight service at Bryan United Methodist Church, 128 Chaintown Road in Lower Tyrone Township with the Rev. Keith McIlwain preaching; and 10 p.m. traditional candlelight service at Cochran Memorial United Methodist Church, corner of Griscom & Howell streets in Dawson with the Rev. Randy Costolo preaching.
DUNLAP’S CREEK CHURCH, 502 Twin Hills Road, Merrittstown, also known as the Old Stone Church, welcomes the Rev. Kent Lighthall as guest minister to Sunday’s 11 a.m. worship service. Communion will be served.
FAITH ASSEMBLY OF GOD, 690 Morgantown Road, Uniontown, worships Sunday at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. when the Rev. Don Immel continues a Relevant Life Issues sermon series “It’s A Wonderful Life?’ for December. This Sunday’s sermon will be “Depression Recovery: Changing Your Blue, Blue, Blue Christmas!’ The Christmas musical “Thrill of Hope’ will be presented on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings at 7 p.m. A well-staffed nursery is available during all services and transportation can be arranged by contacting the Rev. Jason Lamer at 724-437-8101.
FAITH BIBLE CHURCH, 425 S. Arch St., Connellsville, will present a special Christmas program Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 p.m. – the 16th Annual Living Christmas Tree, with the new cantata “A Thrill of Hope.’ This unique light and sound presentation features a specially constructed Christmas tree filled with singers and decorated with more than 10,000 colorful lights that flash with the music. The participants include singers and instrumentalists from the church and local community. Admission is free.
FAITH FELLOWSHIP CHURCH, Oliver Road, Uniontown, will celebrate the Lord’s Supper and light the fourth Advent candle at the 11 a.m. Sunday worship service. Associate Pastor Thomas Brooks will bring the message “What’s So Special About Christmas.’ Bible study is Sunday at 9:45 a.m. Little Blessings Day Care will hold a Christmas pageant Sunday at 6 p.m. with Free Spirit providing the music.
On Christmas Eve, the church will have Christmas Eve Candle Light Service and Celebration on Wednesday at 6 p.m. Rev. Brooks will offer a special message “Come Home For Christmas.’ For more information, phone the church at 724-439-2450 or e-mail the Rev. Gerald Capan at BEGIN GAC@LCSYS.-NET GAC@LCSYS.-NET END
or the Web site at FORMINISTRY.COM/-15401FFC.
FALLS CITY BAPTIST CHURCH AT OHIOPYLE will hold a Christmas concert by Jason Kiefer and Brenna Shultz on Tuesday at 7 p.m.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF FAIRCHANCE announces invites people to join Sunday for their Christmas celebration. Sunday school begins at 9 a.m. Worship service is at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Robert Ford bringing the message “The Star in the East.’ The First Baptist Church Choir, directed by Judy Pupek, will present music of the season, entitled “First Christmas’ on Sunday at 6 p.m. On Wednesday at 7 p.m., the church will host a special Candlelight Christmas Eve Service with Rev. Ford sharing a message entitled “Behold! The Savior is Born.’ For more information, phone 724-564-2080.
FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF NEW SALEM announces the youths of the church will present “A Star Is Born’ on Sunday at 6 p.m. Officials said, “This musical teaches us to ‘get down’ in humility and allow God to use us for his glory. As the children prepare for the television production, they lead us through many shining moments, such as ‘The Greatest Story Ever Told,’ ‘We Three Kings’ and the heart-warming testimony of ‘My Life’s Review.’ When Sophia, the actress hired from 1-800-BIG-STAR arrives to play Mary, the director, Mr. Spielman, and the other actors try to help her understand that the ‘star’ of any Christmas production is Jesus Christ.’
On Wednesday at 7:30 p.m., “The Bethlehem Story’ will be told at the Christmas Eve candlelight service. The First Christian Church Choir will present a mini-cantata called “The Bethlehem Story’ to recall the night in a manger when Christ was born.
Regular services are Sunday school at 9:30 a.m., Sunday worship at 10:45 a.m. and 6 p.m. and Wednesday Bible study at 7 p.m. For directions or more information, phone the church office at 724-245-2934.
FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH (DISCIPLES OF CHRIST), OF REPUBLIC announces the Rev. Norman Hunt will lead worship during Sunday’s 10:55 a.m. service. The fourth Sunday in Advent will be observed. Lighting the fourth candle, the candle of love, will be Justin Gibson and Dominique Ballone. Daren Dewey is acolyte and greeting the congregation will be Tom and Mary Jane Beal. The children and youths of the congregation will present their Christmas gift “Go and See the Newborn King,’ directed by Rita Ballone and Donna Johnson. The chancel choir will present special music. A staffed nursery and second hour are held in conjunction with the service. Robert Hough is organist and choir director.
The Christmas Eve service begins at 7:45 p.m. with a carol sing, followed by the service at 8 p.m. in the sanctuary led by Rev. Hunt. For more information, phone the church office at 724-246-9387.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, located on the Towne Square at Fourth and Liberty streets, California, announces the Rev. Paul N. Min will preach the sermon “Do You Have a Room in Your Heart?’ at Sunday’s 10 a.m. worship service. Nursery care is available every Sunday. Deacon Loretta Huffman will serve as greeter. In honor of Christmas Youth Sunday, the following events will take place: Mary Sears will perform the prelude, entitled “Caroling Bells.’ Frank Turosik will lead the Scripture reading and Kimberly Sears will assist as acolyte. The Advent Wreath Candle Lighting Tradition will continue with Lauren Turosik, Hannah Bodnar and Hannah Min conducting the ceremony. The Sunday school children, directed by Elder Cherie Sears, will present a Christmas play entitled “Our Family Memories of Christmas.’ The children’s choir, directed by Kirsten Sears and Michelle Min, will perform two hymns for the congregation, “Away in a Manger’ and “Go Tell It on the Mountain.’ Ushers will include Jordan Kara Kudyba, Garrett Kurilko, William Rook and Nathan Wright. The choir will sing the offertory “The Holly and the Ivy.’ Church organist Carolyn Davis will perform a solo “Child of Peace.’ The Kara Family will host coffee hour. The Daisytown Presbyterian Church will hold its service at 11:45 a.m. They will also continue their Advent Wreath Ceremony.
On Christmas Eve, Rev. Min will preach an inspiring Christmas message at the 9 p.m. Christmas candlelight service. Once again, the walkway leading to the church steps will be lit with beautiful luminarias, courtesy of the youth group and its advisors Hayley and Tim O’Connor and Cherie Sears. Beautiful poinsettias will decorate the church. Rev. Min’s Christmas lesson will include readings from Luke and Matthew, detailing the story of Christ’s birth, led by Deacon Susan DeCarlo and others. Brandon DeCarlo will assist the service as acolyte. The DeCarlo Family will conclude the Advent Wreath ceremony. The choir, directed by Elder Edie Skekel and accompanied by organist Carolyn Davis, will perform an anthem. Skekel and Davis will also sing a duet “Gesu Bambino’ while children’s choir director Kirsten Sears will perform a solo “O Holy Night.’ The final hymn of the service, “Silent Night,’ will be played as a violin duet by Rev. Min’s daughters, Michelle and Hannah. The congregation will sing this hymn by candlelight. Immediately following the service, the deacons, led by Moderator Betty Ann McDowell, will serve attendants a “cup of good cheer.’ Rev. Min will also conduct the Christmas Eve service of the Daisytown Presbyterian Church at 11 p.m. For more information on First Presbyterian, call the church at 724-938-7676.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 114 W. Church St., Fairchance, offers Sunday school at 9:45 a.m. and worships Sunday at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Dr. Joey Hickok and a Christmas program. Choir practice is Sunday at 1 p.m. Session meeting is Monday at 7 p.m. On Tuesday, there is no dartball. Birthday celebrants are Dec. 24, Amy Lewis and Meredyth Zinck and Dec. 27, Larry Johnston.
Nursery accommodations are available. For more information on First Presbyterian, phone the church office at 724-564-2042 or e-mail at begin fpcf@charter.net fpcf@charter.net end
. The Web site is www.fairchancefirstpresbyterianchurch.org.
FORT BURD UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF BROWNS-VILLE, located next to Brownsville General Hospital, will offer a Blue Christmas Service today at 7 p.m. This service is also known as “Longest Night’ or “Hard to be Merry.’
The church meets for worship Sunday at 11 a.m., following Sunday school for all ages at 9:45 a.m. The Lighting of the Advent Candle for the fourth Sunday of Advent will be led by Lois Turner and her grandchildren Sabrina and Sidney French. There will be a special time for youths. There is a staffed nursery for preschool-aged children sponsored by the deacons available during worship. The adult choir, directed by Thomas Rishel, will sing the anthem “Come, Emmanuel, Come.’ Bulletins for this Sunday’s service are given by the Pursglove Family. Choir practice will follow worship. The men’s group meets Tuesday at 7 p.m.
Fort Burd will hold its Christmas Eve worship service at 7 p.m. on Wednesday. The sanctuary will be decorated with red poinsettias and lit by candlelight. The Johnson Family will light the Christ Candle during the Lighting of the Advent Candles ceremony. Worship will focus on a series of lessons and carols each followed by a prayer or reflection. The sacrament of the Communion will be celebrated. The adult choir will have special music, directed by Thomas Rishel. The youth bell choir will play “Silent Night,’ following the end of the service candlelighting ceremony. Worship will end with the congregation singing “Silent Night.’ The bulletins for this evening’s service are given by the Novak Family. For more information, phone the church at 724-785-3080.
GARWOOD BAPTIST CHURCH, Route 481, Scenic Drive near Daisytown, announces a children’s cantata called “Three Wee Kings’ will be presented during the 11 a.m. service Christmas Sunday. On Christmas Eve, there will be a candlelight service at 7 p.m. For more information, phone 724-938-7431.
GOOD COUNSEL FRIARY, Franciscan Friars, 493 Tyrone Road, Morgantown, will have New Year’s Eve Mass and party at 9 p.m. on Dec. 31, followed by Mass at 9:30 p.m., followed by a party. Registration is needed only if staying overnight. Call the Rev. Jude J. Mili at 304-594-1714.
GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF COAL CENTER, 420 California Drive, will offer a Grief Healing Christmas Worship Service on Tuesday at 7 p.m.
The church also announces its Christmas Eve schedule: 6 p.m. worship geared toward families with small children and 8 p.m. traditional candlelight service.
Grace Church is located south of Interstate 70, exit 36 west or 35 east, south on Route 481. Turn right at the BP gas station.
GREAT BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH, 47 W. Fayette St., Uniontown, offers Sunday school for all ages at 9:45 a.m., followed by worship at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Mike Hall bringing the message. Calling the church office at 724-437-6161 provides transportation and a nursery. There is no BYF.
The children’s musical “All I Want for Christmas’ will be offered at 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Presented by the children of the church and directed by Ken Keeling and Patty Hall, the play is about a child in a toy department where toys come to life so that the little girl may learn the true meaning of Christmas.
There is no dartball Tuesday. All activities are cancelled Wednesday but there will be a 7:30 p.m. Christmas Eve service. The office is closed Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
GREENE VALLEY CHURCH OF GOD, Carmichaels, announces the Prime Timers, age 50 and over, will have a Christmas dinner and auction today at 7 p.m. Participants should bring a covered dish and a friend. For more information, phone 724-966-8030.
HARVEST TIME MINISTRIES FULL GOSPEL CHRISTIAN CHURCH, located at 213 Sixth Ave., Brownsville, is having its Christmas Eve Candlelight Service on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Officials said, “The public is invited to come and rejoice in the birth of Christ with us.’ For more information, phone 724-785-4424 or 724-785-4424.
JACOB’S LUTHERAN CHURCH, located off Routes 21 and 166 (follow signs from the Marathon service station), Masontown, will hold a Christmas Eve candlelight service at 8 p.m. The Rev. Todd Kornahrens will lead the service. Sunday worship is at 9 a.m. with Sunday school following. A full liturgical service is included. Officials said, “Everyone is invited to attend this special Christmas Eve service.’
LAUREL MOUNTAIN BAPTIST CHURCH, 1980 Wharton Furnace Road/Route 381, Gibbon Glade, located one mile north of the Mason Dixon line, will have a special Christmas service on Sunday at 10:30 a.m. The popular gospel music group, The Rice Family, will perform. The concert is free. For more information, phone 724-329-4704.
MARANATHA ASSEMBLY OF GOD, 126 Brownsville Ave., Brownsville, located next to the post office’s parking lot, worships Sunday at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. with the Rev. Jim Line. The youths will lead worship during the morning service with the “I Worship’ CD. Coffee and doughnuts will be served before and after this service. Rev. Line will present a Christmas story he wrote entitled “Mary, God Needs His Diaper Change!,’ which revisits the birth of Christ. The movie “Scrooge and Marley,’ based on the book “What if Jesus Had Never Been Born?’ by D. James Kennedy, will be shown during the evening service. There will be no Wednesday evening services due to Christmas. For more information, phone Rev. Line at 724-785-7782 or e-mail him at JIMMYLINE@aol.com.
MASONTOWN MENNONITE CHURCH, 291 Mennonite Church Road, will have a candlelight service on Christmas Eve at 7:30 p.m. The Rev. David Wardman said, “We are encouraging the public to attend and start your holiday off with peace.’MCCLELLANDTOWN FREE METHODIST CHURCH, located at 154 Blaine Ave., will host Advent services during the Christmas season on Sundays at 11 a.m. with the Rev. George Eberhart. The church will host a Christmas program and celebration on Sunday at 7 p.m. The church will host a Christmas Eve service on Wednesday at 7 p.m. For more information, phone the Revs. George and Ginny Eberhart at 724-737-5455.
MCCLELLANDTOWN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, Route 21, Church Hill, worships Sunday at 11 a.m. with Pastor Rebecca Drover delivering the sermon “Elizabeth Speaks.’ Delbert Yutzy will have a Minute for Mission. The junior choir and the adult choir will present special music. Robin Carr is guest organist.
The Christmas Eve candlelight service will begin at 6:05 p.m. with pre-service music presented by Paige Nagy, Rosalee Bailey, Gina Bailey, Lisa Cunningham, Kathryn Gates, Dustin Hoffman, Clara Jean and Thomas Chetosky, Tyler Rockwell and Jane Yutzy. Worship begins at 6:30 p.m. with Pastor Drover delivering a celebration message assisted by readers Danielle Berry, Marc Berry, Daron Christopher, Peter Forgen, Kenny Perkins, Tyler Rockwell and David Bork. The junior choir and the adult choir will present special music. Janet Adamovich is organist. Candlelighters are Amanda Dupont, Megan Angelo, Kelley McCahill, Sean McCahill and Brandon Perkins.
NEW GENEVA BAPTIST CHURCH, Front Street, worships at 9:30 a.m. Sunday when the Rev. Robert J. Robinson delivers the message “The Pinnacle of Love.’ Marcellus Evans, Dolores Sangston and Eleanor Moore will present special music. The children will light the Advent Candle of Love. A candlelight service will be held on Christmas Eve at 6 p.m.
NEW SALEM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 27 S. Mill St., will host an intergenerational Christmas program at 9:30 a.m. Sunday led by Sunday school students: Blake Chaikcic, Cameron Cole, Grace Horvat, Elizabethann Seaton, Lucas Voithoffer, Eve Horvat, Lily Horvat, Arianne Gmutza, Emily Nagy, Lisa Crago, Ashley Crago, Natalie Pontorero and Dan Voithoffer. A fellowship time hosted by the Christian Education Committee will be held after the program. At the 11 a.m. traditional worship service, the Rev. Marnie Abraham Russell will deliver the sermon “Singing and Waiting’ for the fourth Sunday of Advent. Betty Schmidt and Sue Voithoffer and family are the Advent Candle Leaders. Congregational greeters are Joanne Adams and Lois Seaton. The deacons will host the fellowship time after the service. Acolytes are Natalie Pontorero, Ashley Crago and Emily Nagy. A nursery with adult supervision is provided during the worship service.
On Wednesday at 7:30 p.m., the Christmas Eve Candlelighting Service with Lessons and Carols will be held.
PLEASANT VIEW PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, located two miles west of Smock at the intersection of the Pleasant View and Royal roads, will have Sunday school classes for all ages from 9:45 to 10:40 a.m. Worship is at 11 a.m. The church will observe the fourth Sunday of Advent as the fourth candle on the Advent Wreath will be lit by Joe and Sandy Alberts and John and Diana Calhoun. The Rev. Keith Conover, pastor, will preach “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing.’ Special music will be provided by the adult vocal choir, directed by Elaine Thomas. Sandra Leichliter will be organist. Acolytes will be Haleigh and Hannah Zosky. A supervised nursery for kindergarten and preschool children is provided after Small Talk through the conclusion of worship.
Pleasant View will receive and dedicate the 2003 Christmas Joy Offering of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in worship this Sunday. Gifts are equally divided, with 50 percent benefiting the eight racial ethnic schools and colleges of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) by helping deserving students pursue an education. The other 50 percent aids both active and retired church workers in times of special need.
The board of deacons is sponsoring Pleasant View’s annual evening of Christmas caroling on Sunday. Carolers will leave the church parking lot at 5 p.m. and will return to the church for goodies and hot chocolate by 8 p.m. Officials said, “Join us in this musical ministry to make the holidays a little brighter for our shut ins.’
The church will have its annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, a traditional service of Lessons and Carols, at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Music begins at 7:30 p.m. The Christ Candle on the Advent wreath will be lit by Rick Richardson. Special music will be provided by the PVPC Handbell Choir, directed by Elaine Thomas; the PVPC Band, directed by Lee Ann Conover; and by vocal soloists soprano Heather Mazur and soprano Elaine Thomas. Sandra Leichliter will be organist. The service will culminate in the celebration of Holy Communion and the lighting of congregational candles in celebration of Jesus’ birth. The offering will benefit the PVPC’s Deacons Fund to support their work throughout the year.
POINT MARION CHRISTIAN CHURCH, 432 Morgantown St., will host the Christmas cantata “His Name is Jesus’ on Sunday at 6 p.m. A combined choir from the Oak Grove Church of Christ and the Point Marion Christian Church will present the cantata. It will be a candlelight devotional service. Officials said, “All are invited as we hear the story of our Savior’s birth and we once again welcome his coming.’ For more information, phone the Rev. Joe Condoluci at 724-725-0334.
ROSCOE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 300 Main St., announces a dedication of the new chancel cross and remodeled chancel area will be part of the worship this Sunday at 11 a.m. The cross, built by Joseph Kelly of Kelly Construction and a member of the church Session, was part of the remodeling committee that also included Lorraine Kelly, Cheryl Lewis and Gary Lewis. The remodeling involved the removal of panels that revealed two of the sanctuary’s original stained-glass windows. The church Session initiated the action. The work was done by these four volunteers with materials cost from the church memorial fund.
The service will include the fourth Advent candle wreath reflection. This week, the theme is “Peace’ as seen by Mary, the Mother of Jesus, portrayed by chancel choir member Amanda Coombs.
The chancel choir will sing, directed by Mary Catherine Schmidt and accompanied by pianist Tina Bolin, who with organist George McFayden, form the instrumental praise team for the service.
The annual Joy Offering will be received Sunday and at the Christmas Eve service. This offering goes to help those who have given their gifts and talents to God through the church and its ministries in dedicated service. It also goes to help students at racial and ethnic schools. The Session has designated that one fourth of all special offerings, including the Joy Offering, go for support of local mission work.
On Christmas Eve, a Service of Candlelight, Carols and Holy Communion will be held at 7:30 p.m. Nursery will be provided for preschool children.
Next Sunday, Dec. 28, an informal morning will begin with a continental breakfast at 10:30 a.m., hosted by the deacons in the church manse. This will be followed by a worship Service of Carols and a Christmas story by the church pastor. There will be no nursery this Sunday. Children are invited to bring a favorite new Christmas present to church for sharing.
ST. GEORGE MARONITE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 6 Lebanon Terrace, Uniontown, announces its Christmas season schedule. Traditional Christmas novena will be held through Tuesday at 6:15 p.m. On Saturday, the novena will follow the 5 p.m. Liturgy. Confessions will be held Saturday from 4:15 to 4:45 p.m. and Sunday from 10 to 10:20 a.m. On Sunday at 10 a.m., MCH/MYO members will present “Six Stations of Christmas’ program. Officials said, “Come and support our youths by your presence.’ Regular 10:30 a.m. Liturgy will follow and the Ladies’ Guild Christmas breakfast and MCF party will then be in the social hall.
Christmas Eve, live Nativity and program by MCF/MYO is at 5:30 p.m., and Christmas Divine Liturgy is at 6 and 9 p.m. Christmas Day, there is Divine Liturgy at 10:30 a.m. New Year’s Eve, there is a Liturgy at 5 p.m. and New Year’s Day, there is Liturgy only at 10:30 a.m. The Rev. Joseph R. David is pastor. For more information, phone 724-437-5589.
ST. GEORGE SERBIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH IN CAR-MICHAELS announces the Feast of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myria in Lycia, will be celebrated today with a Divine Liturgy at 9 a.m. Many Serbian Orthodox Christians celebrate this day as their patronal feast.
ST. PAUL’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 71 N. Gallatin Ave., Uniontown, announces the church will celebrate the fourth Sunday in Advent at 10:45 a.m. worship with the choirs of St. Paul’s singing in the cantata “The Perfect Christmas’ under the direction of Richard Workman. On Wednesday, the church will have Christmas Eve worship service at 4 p.m. when Holy Communion will be distributed. At 7 p.m., the candlelight worship service will begin with the Celebration Ringers playing under the direction of Mark Santore. Sunday school classes begin at 9:30 a.m. For more information, call 724-437-9000 or e-mail at begin splcu@dp.net splcu@dp.net end
or visit the Web site at www.stpaulselcauniontown.org.
ST. PETER’S CHURCH, a parish of the Anglican Communion, 60 Morgantown St., Uniontown, will observe the fourth Sunday of Advent with the Holy Eucharist at the 8 and 10:30 a.m. services. The Christmas pageant under the direction of Chris Zeigler will be presented during the 10:30 a.m. service. The family Christmas celebration will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the parish house. The men’s breakfast and the ladies’ breakfast will be held at 8 a.m. on Saturday at the parish house and Eat’N Park, respectively. Acting as crucifer and acolytes are Paul Taylor, Kayla Warren and Thomas Whyel. The Rev. Thomas R. Finnie is the rector. For further information, phone 724-438-7731.
ST. PETER’S LUTHERAN CHURCH, EVANGELICAL LUTH-ERAN CHURCH OF AMERICA, 121 Walnut Hill Road, Uniontown, will celebrate the fourth Sunday of Advent with Holy Communion at its 10:30 a.m. service. The Sunday school Christmas program “The Manger Scene’ will take place during worship. The program includes music, recitations and congregational participation. Sunday church school classes for children. The adult Sunday school class will not meet for its regular session this week due to a special event. Following worship, the hanging of the greens Christmas decorating event, which includes lunch, will be held.
On Wednesday, the congregation will celebrate the Nativity of Our Lord with its Christmas Eve candlelight Communion worship service at 7:30 p.m. The service will include special music, a message for children, the pastor’s Christmas message and Holy Communion. The Rev. Bernard Carl is pastor. For more information, phone 724-439-5884 or 724-439-4730 or e-mail the pastor at PastorCarol9@aol.com.
ST. THOMAS A BECKET EPISCOPAL CHURCH, located on Old Cheat Road right below Glenmark Centre, announces the Holy Eucharist for the fourth Sunday of Advent will be celebrated by the Rev. Paul Smith at 8 and 10:30 a.m. Children’s church takes place during the second service for ages 3 and up. The annual Hanging of the Greens and a soup and sandwich luncheon will follow the second service. At 2 p.m., a Service of Lessons and Carols will take place in the sanctuary. St. Thomas a Becket remains a part of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America. For further information about the church or Becket Arts Series, visit the church’s Web site at www.becketwv.org
or call the church office Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 304-296-0270.
SHOAF FREE METHODIST CHURCH announces the children will present their Christmas Scene program on Sunday at 11 a.m. and the adult choir will present the cantata “A Simple Christmas’ on Sunday at 6 p.m. Refreshments will follow. The Rev. Wayne R. Whoolery is pastor.
SPRINGHILL FURNACE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 2459 Springhill Furnace Road, Lake Lynn, worships Sunday at 9:30 a.m. with the Rev. Dr. Joey Hickok while the choir presents the cantata “And It Came to Pass.’ Sunday school is at 11 a.m. The Christmas Joy offering will be received Sunday. Officials said, “We want to welcome everyone to join us in our church services.’ For more information, phone 724-564-2042 or e-mail fpcf@chaterpa.net.
TENT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, Route 119, south of Uniontown, observes the fourth Sunday of Advent with worship at 9:30 a.m. when lay minister Harry Wilson gives the sermon “Preparations.’ This is the fourth Sunday of Advent with the fourth candle being lit during the morning service. Christmas Candle Light Services will be at 7 p.m. Sunday. On Christmas Eve, the church will be open for a Christmas Singspiration from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Officials said, “The public is welcomed for the services at this special time honoring the birth of the Christ Child.’
THIRD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 425 Union St., (at Craig Meadows) Uniontown, on Sunday will offer a dramatic portrayal of “Mary’s Christmas Story’ at 8:30 a.m., the children’s Christmas program at 9:30 a.m. and a Christmas cantata at 11 a.m.
The junior and senior high youth group Christmas party is Sunday at 7 p.m. Chapel Bells is Monday at 6:15 p.m. Bowling league is Monday at 6:30 p.m. Boy Scouts meet Monday at 7 p.m. Cub Scouts Christmas party is Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Communion service is Wednesday at 7 p.m. For further information, contact the office at 724-438-2529.
TRINITY FELLOWSHIP CHURCH, 126 Lincoln St., Uniontown, announces on Sunday at 6 p.m., the children and adults will have a Christmas concert. Refreshments will follow the program. For more information, phone 724-437-6191.
TRINITY UNITED METHO-DIST CHURCH, Main Street, Fairchance, will hold a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service on Wednesday at 11 p.m. The program will include the story of Christmas in Scripture and song.
TRINITY UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, corner of Morgantown and West Fayette streets, Uniontown, will present an Advent Festival of Lessons and Carols today at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary. The church’s chancel and handbell choirs and Trinity Singers, under the direction of Jason J. Keefer, will perform music ranging from the Renaissance through the contemporary interspersed with readings from the Christmas story. Organist Bruce Ludwick Jr., along with pianists Donnie Dennison and Todd Alexander, will serve as accompanists.
Guest instrumentalists from West Virginia University will include the William Skidmore String Trio, Dorothy Skidmore on flute and Lisa Hollar on oboe. Sopranos Brenna Shultz and Joanie Brittingham and mezzo-soprano Shannon Pugh will be featured as soloists. A free-will offering will be taken. Attendees are also invited to bring canned goods and other non-perishable food items for the Fayette County Food Bank.
The church worships Sunday at 11 a.m. A Service of Lessons and Carols will be presented by the chancel and handbell choirs under the direction of Jason J. Keefer, music director. Reader for the lessons is the Rev. Michael I. Orsted, pastor.
Special instrumentalists for the program are Dorothy Skidmore, flute; Lisa Hollar, oboe, and Jean Nass on clarinet. Accompanist for the program is Todd Alexander. Soloists are Brenna Shultz, soprano; Joanie Brittingham, soprano; Shannon Pugh, mezzo-soprano; and Paul Hartsek, bass. A special liturgical dance, under the direction of Ginny Tanner, will be presented by Lauren Molchan, Annie Ulmer, Bailey Cahn, George Hammond, Greg Fike, Will Ulmer, Jacob Cahn, Angela Leone, Caitlin Fike, Lyndsay Jesko, Lauren Porterfield, Jessica Craggette, Morgan Cahn, Barrette Michotte, Alec Sharp and Daon Craggette. Following worship, the Presbyterian Women will provide a holiday coffee fellowship in the chapel. A nursery is provided during worship for children 5 and under. The service is broadcast live over radio station WMBS, beginning 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
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On Christmas Eve at 7 p.m., a special musical prelude will feature Trinity’s Chancel Choir, along with soprano soloist, Brenna Shultz. In addition, organ, piano, harpsichord and French horn selections will be offered. A candlelight service of lessons and familiar carols will follow at 7:30 p.m.
TRIUMPHANT FELLOWSHIP CHURCH, located at 1 Fireman Drive in the South Union Fire Hall, will have Sunday school at 10 a.m. with refreshments from 10:40 to 11 a.m. when the worship service begins. The Rev. Tom Barnhart will preach the message “The Birth of Hope.’
Special music will be provided by Tirzah Wehrle and Jackie Pluck. A children’s program will be presented during worship. An Evening of Music will begin at 6 p.m. with special guests as well as our worship team providing music.
UNIONTOWN CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN, 20 Robinson St., will observe the fourth Sunday of Advent at 10 a.m. worship Sunday when interim pastor, the Rev. A. Harrison Smith, will bring the message “Joseph’s Christmas.’ Children’s storyteller will be Jeremy Kendall and special music will be provided by the CBYF Choir under the direction of Sandra Stein and the chance choir, directed by Jeremy Kendall. The annual Christmas Tea will be held in fellowship hall following the children’s Christmas program “Joseph Dearest, Mary Mine,’ beginning at 7 p.m. The church will observe Christmas Eve worship at 7 p.m. with a service of Carols, Candles and Communion. The service will conclude with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist and candlelighting. The church offers valet parking and personal ear monitors. The church is open Sunday for prayer and praise at 8:30 a.m. Sunday school is at 9:30 a.m. For more information, phone the office at 724-438-8372.
UNIONTOWN CHURCH OF CHRIST, 70 Roosevelt Drive, announces the annual toy giveaway will be held at the church on Saturday at 9 a.m. On Sunday, there will be Sunday Bible study for all ages is at 9:30 a.m., followed by worship at 10:30 a.m. with Pulpit Minister Tim Lively delivering the message. Sunday’s evening worship is at the church building at 6:30. Also at 6:30 p.m., the Tabitha Class for girls ages 9 to 15 meets at the church. There are services Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. For more information, phone 724-439-4747.
UNITED CHRISTIAN CHURCH (DISCIPLES OF CHRIST), CALIFORNIA, will present “Journey to Bethlehem: A Drive Thru Nativity’ Saturday and Sunday from 7 to 9 p.m. Officials said the event is viewed from the comfort of your automobile and features scenes from the prophecy of Isaiah to the birth of Christ with live actors, animals and music. There are no rain dates. A freewill offering is taken to help defray expenses. For more information, phone 724-938-3231 or e-mail ucchurch@unitedchristianchurhpa.org.
WALTERSBURG CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE, located about five miles north of Uniontown on Route 51, announces will host a special Christmas concert by HIS on Sunday at 6 p.m. The group is composed of Paul and Barb Cramer, who operate Cramer Performing Arts Studio, along with Becky Johnson. Johnson is the director of “His Place,’ which is a show on Cornerstone television in Pittsburgh. She sings on the station, too. They recorded a CD entitled “Harbor Me,’ and have traveled around Pittsburgh and Uniontown singing in churches. A freewill offering is to be taken. For more information, phone 724-677-2568. The Rev. Bruce B. Poling is pastor.
WEST LEISENRING UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 329 Third St., offers Sunday school at 10 a.m. and worship at 11 a.m. Due to church being cancelled last Sunday, worship will start with the lighting of the Candle of the Shepherds by Angel Riggin. Lay minister Clyde Bailey Jr. will have the sermon “The Story of Christmas.’ The fourth Candle Lighting Angels will be by Theresa Butler.
Christmas Eve candlelight service will be Wednesday at 7 p.m. Lay minister Ross Ackinclose will have the sermon “Have You Discovered Christmas Yet?’ The Christ Candlelighting will be by Susan Ziringer.