Dec 3, 2004 29 min read

December 3, 2004 Announcements:

BEREAN SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH, Searight and Butler streets, Uniontown, reports the congregation served Thanksgiving dinner to more than 90 people from the Uniontown area on Sunday, Nov. 21. The church distributed 50 food baskets and hundreds of pieces of clothing and shoes for men, women and children. This is the 14th year for the ministry, called Operation Jesus Feed.’ The project continues to grow.

Officials said, “We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our members, the many volunteers, the local Uniontown businesses and all the other donors who made the occasion an overwhelming success with their help and support in the form of donations and time. We want the community to know that this service is provided each year with great joy and humility, by your friends at the Berean Seventh-day Adventist Church.’

BLAINESBURG BIBLE CHURCH, Fourth and Washington Avenue, off Route 88 between Brownsville and California, recently conducted its third annual Care and Share food drive for the Brownsville Soup Kitchen’s Thanksgiving and Christmas food basket program. The non-perishable food items were presented by the Rev. David Benner to soup kitchen coordinator Pearl Peton at the church’s Thanksgiving Sunday service.

Officials said, “Members of the congregation wish to give thanks by sharing in this small way their love to those in need again this year. They pray that sharing God’s blessings will help make someone’s holiday brighter.’

Brownsville Soup Kitchen expressed its gratitude for the continuing support from Blainesburg Bible Church. The soup kitchen has been helping people in the community for 20 years. In addition to distributing holiday food baskets, they deliver Thanksgiving and Christmas meals to shut-ins at Mulligan Manor, Brownsville House and National City Bank Apartments in Brownsville. The soup kitchen also serves meals to individuals daily, provides used clothing and distributes toys and new coats to children in the area.

This year, in addition to the food drive, the Blainesburg Bible Church has also conducted a community health fair and sponsored a blood drive to benefit scholarships for California Area High School students.

MASONTOWN CROP WALK: More than 60 members of a dozen churches raised more than $5,000 this past June. It is the procedure to return all money to Church World Service, the sponsoring organization of CROP Walk, and then 25 percent returns to the local agency. The money returned in November with three local organizations benefiting: First Presbyterian Church of Masontown Food Cupboard received $252.63, while the Albert Gallatin service unit of the Salvation Army received $252.63 and McClellandtown Presbyterian Church Food Cupboard received $754.89. McClellandtown is the primary food distribution center for the needy in his particular area. The Rev. Robert Lewis, coordinator, thanked walkers, sponsors and water distributors. For more information, phone Lewis at 724-583-9207.

Today through Sunday:

ABUNDANT LIFE CHURCH, located at 1239 Brownfield Road, Uniontown, announces “A Peculiar Christmas,’ a play performed by the professional acting team of Peculiar People, will be presented today at 7 p.m. Officials said, “The primary purpose of the play is to provide a renewed joy and excitement for the true meaning of Christmas.’ Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free. On Sunday, refreshments will be served at 10:20 a.m. The early service featuring blended music selections begins at 9:15 a.m. The popular contemporary worship service begins at 10:45 a.m. Pastor Nicholas Cook will deliver the message “The Surpassing Grace of God.’

ALLISON FIRST CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE, located at 416 Vernon St., worships Sunday at 10:50 a.m. with the Rev. Roger Diehl. There is also worship at 6 p.m. For more information on church activities, phone 724-785-3353.

ASBURY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, corner of Beeson Avenue and Dunbar Street in Uniontown, on Sunday offers a casual 9 a.m. service that features praise choruses and hymns, accompanied by pianist Sharon Brown, and the Rev. Thomas E. Brown’s message “What Happens When I Die?’ continuing a series on “The Apostles Creed.’ The traditional 11 a.m. service will include Brown’s message, and special music by the Asbury Chancel Choir, directed by William Dreucci, and organist Jim Hutchinson. Loving Nursery Care is available for infants and children under 4. Children’s church is available for children over 4 through second grade. Tele-receivers are available for the hearing impaired.

BARN OF PRAISE MINISTRY, located at 207 Hill Farm Road, Dunbar, below Monarch, will have its outside Christmas drama “The Nativity Journey,’ today and Saturday with performances each night at 5 and 7 p.m. The cast includes more than 25 actors with live animals. Refreshments are served in the barn after the play. For ticket information, phone 724-626-8186.

BROWNSVILLE UNITED METHODIST CHARGE will observe the second Sunday of Advent during worship at 8:30 a.m. at West Bend, 10 a.m. at South Brownsville and 11 a.m. at Brownsville First. The Rev. Paul E. Wilson Sr. will give the sermon “Is This Any Way for a King to Behave?’ For more information about any of the Brownsville Charge churches, phone the charge office at 724-785-8704.

CALVARY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, located at Clark Street and Collins Avenue, Uniontown, announces the Sunday worship service at 9:30 a.m. will focus on the second Sunday of Advent. The Rev. Maryann Long will bring the message “The Peaceable Kingdom.’ The chancel choir will sing. A fully-staffed babyland and nursery are available.

CALVIN UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 307 Spring St., Brownsville, worships Sunday at 10 a.m. when the chancel choir will sing. Members of the Basile/Bojtos/Herre Family will light the second Advent candle. The Rev. Aleda Arnold Menchyk will give the sermon “Gifts from God.’ At 11 a.m., the annual holiday dinner and Christmas party will take place with gifts for children and a drawing. For more information on church activities, phone 724-785-5745.

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. with Melodie Ellsworth.

On the second Sunday of Lent at 10:30 a.m. worship, the Rev. Art Mace, senior minister, will have the sermon “Is Someone Knocking?’ Ed, Tammy, Annette and Miranda Yauger will light the Advent Candle. Denise Zundel and the chancel choir will present special music. Nursery and pre-school care as well as children’s church for age three to third grade are available during morning worship. 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. when the Rev. Jack Herman will deliver the message “What Child is This Born in Bethlehem? The Implications for Our Lives of God the Creator Coming to Our Planet.’ The praise team will lead the 8:30 a.m. service while Ed Fearer and Flo Ellenberger will be instrumentalists at the 10:45 a.m. service. At 6 p.m., adults will meet in the sanctuary when the Rev. Don Schaeffer, Christian and Missionary Alliance missionary to Japan, will be special speaker. The youths meet in fellowship hall for their own contemporary Power Jam service and children meet for Christmas musical practice. For more information on church activities, call the church office at 724-437-6850.

CHRIST CHURCH, a parish in the Anglican Communion, 319 Church St., Brownsville, announces the second Sunday of Advent will be celebrated with the Holy Eucharist at 10:30 a.m. There is no KIDSCHURCH. The fellowship hour in the parish house will immediately follow worship. An Advent Quiet Day will be held on Saturday, Dec. 11 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call the church office to register. Bring a bag lunch. Warm drinks will be provided. Church office hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Rev. Stanley Burdock is pastor. For further information or directions to the church, phone 724-785-7958.

CHRIST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, located at the corner of Fayette Street and Beeson Boulevard in Uniontown, worships Sunday at 10:45 a.m. with the Rev. Emily Byrd. The church thanks those who made the recent bazaar a success.

CHRISTIAN LEADERS FELLOWSHIP, an ecumenical group of local bishops and denominational executives, are providing tickets now for an evening of lessons and carols, including a blessing of the region, at the seventh annual Christmas Festival at Heinz Hall on Monday, Dec. 13, at 7:30 p.m. The program will feature 10 choirs with nearly 400 singers and a 27-piece orchestra. The audience will be able to join in singing several Christmas carols. Admission will be free for the event, which is supported by the Pittsburgh Symphony Society. For tickets, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the Department of Communications, Diocese of Pittsburgh, 111 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh 15222. Two tickets will be granted per request by mail on a first-come, first-served basis.

COVE RUN FREE METHODIST CHURCH, located at 345 Yauger Hollow Road, Lemont Furnace, welcomes gospel artists Down East Boys in concert on Thursday at 7 p.m. The Reidsville, N.C.,-based quartet has enjoyed success in recent years with such hits as “Beautiful Valley,’ “I choose Jesus’ and “Redeemed.’ In 1991, the group received the Horizon Group of the Year by subscribers of Singing News Magazine, Southern gospel music’s leading fan and trade publication. For more information, phone the church at 724-437-1050. The Rev. Roger L. Yeager is pastor.

DAWSON UNITED METHODIST CHARGE announces on Monday, the Scottdale Choral Society will perform a Christmas concert at Cochran Memorial United Methodist Church at 7:30 p.m. A freewill offering will be taken to benefit the society.

DUNLAP’S CREEK CHURCH, 502 Twin Hills Road, Merrittstown, also known as the Old Stone Church, welcomes Elmer Bassler as guest minister to Sunday’s 11 a.m. worship service. Joseph Eperjesi will light the candle for the second Sunday of Advent.

FAIRCHANCE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, 17 N. Morgantown St., worships Sunday at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Robert Ford bringing the message “O Come All Ye Faithful.’ Alison King, Chelsea Morgan and Katarina Whitmarsh and the First Baptist Church Choir will provide special music in memory of Carolyn Kingan. The Bill Morgan family will light the second Advent candle. On Sunday at 6 p.m., Ford brings the message “Trust in the Lord.’

A walk-through dramatization entitled, “One Amazing Night,’ will be held Dec. 10-11 from 6 to 9 p.m. Scenes depicting the night of the birth of Jesus include the angels announcement to Mary and the shepherds in the field culminating with an outdoor live Nativity. A special Christmas Eve candlelight service is planned for Dec. 24 at 7 p.m. Childcare and transportation are available for all services. For more information on church activities, phone 724-564-2080.

FAIRCHANCE FREE METHODIST CAMPGROUND, located on Route 857, across from Sweet Pea Gas Station, will host a luncheon with Santa on Saturday, beginning at noon. For more information, phone 724-437-1348 or 724-437-7573.

FAIRCHANCE FREE METHODIST CHURCH, 53 S. Morgantown St., worships Sunday at 10:45 a.m. with the choir singing. Mary Ellen Snyder and Leroy Renninger will light the Advent wreath. Linda Bobish will minister in music. The Rev. Wayne Sawyer will share the message “Go in Jesus’ Name.’ Preschool and junior church will be provided for children during the latter part of the service. The Rev. Wayne R. Sawyer is pastor. For more information on church ministries, phone 724-564-5000.

FAITH ASSEMBLY OF GOD, 690 Morgantown Road, Uniontown, worships Sunday at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. when the Rev. Don Immel will present the sermon “Praying Our Lord’s Last Prayer.’ The Rev. Jason Lamer will preach “You Can’t Dance Without Stepping on Toes’ at the 6 p.m. service. A well-staffed nursery is available during all services and transportation can be arranged by contacting the Rev. Jason Lamer at 724-437-8101, ext. 118.

FARMINGTON FREE METHODIST CHURCH, Five Forks-Dinner Bell Road, Farmington, is celebrating Christmas throughout December with the lighting of the Advent wreath. Each week features a new family lighting a new candle. This week, they light the candle of preparation and the message is entitled “Get Ready for Jesus’ at Sunday’s 11 a.m. worship service. For more information, contact the Rev. Ken Walls at 724-564-2925.

FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH (DISCIPLES OF CHRIST), OF REPUBLIC announces the Rev. J.W. Hormell will deliver the message “Obedient Parents’ during Sunday’s 10:55 a.m. worship. Courtney Kochis, and Deriek and Travis Tolnai will light the second Advent candle, the candle of peace. The chancel choir will sing. A special time for children is held during the service, followed by second hour and a staffed nursery directed by Rita Ballone and Donna Johnson. Jared Gibson is acolyte. Barbara Dubovich will greet the congregation. Robert Hough is organist and choir director. For more information on church activities, phone 724-246-9387.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, located on the Towne Square at Fourth and Liberty streets, California, announces “He Emptied Himself, Taking the Form of a Slave’ will be the sermon by the Rev. Paul N. Min, at Sunday’s 10 a.m. worship service. Nursery care is available. Deacon Sunday will be observed. Deacon Hayley O’Connor and her husband, Tim O’Connor, will serve as greeters. The Savochka Family will conduct the Advent Wreath Ceremony. Deacon Linda Savochka will lead Scripture readings. Her granddaughter Kaila Zoretic will serve as acolyte. The choir, The choir, directed by Elder Edie Skekel and accompanied by organist Carolyn Davis, will perform. The deacons will host coffee hour. The Daisytown Presbyterian Church worships at 11:45 a.m. with the Blessed Sacrament of Communion. For more information on church activities, call 724-938-7676.

FORT BURD UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF BROWNSVILLE, located next to Brownsville General Hospital, worships Sunday at 11 a.m. The lighting of the Advent Wreath will be led by the Snyder family. There is a staffed nursery for children age four and younger, sponsored by the deacons. Worship will include a special time for youths. The adult choir, directed by Thomas Rishel, will sing. The prayer list will be available. The monthly special offering for the St. Vincent de Paul Society will be received this Sunday. Today will be the last day to order Christmas poinsettias. For more information on church activities, phone 724-785-3080.

GARWOOD BAPTIST CHURCH, Route 481, Scenic Drive near Daisytown, is hosting a Christmas Celebration for area children on Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m. There will be a gospel presentation with child Evangelism Outreach, crafts, games and pizza. Call 724-938-7431 for more information.

GRACE BRETHREN CHURCH, 1 Grace Lane, off Derrick Avenue, Uniontown, worships Sunday at 10:30 a.m. when the Rev. Nick Philiposian delivers the message “Partners For Christ.’ Nursery is provided. 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 office at 724-437-6161 provides transportation and a nursery. This is the second Sunday of Advent. Family Supper is Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.

GREENWOOD/EAST CONNELLSVILLE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF CONNELLSVILLE, located on South Ninth and West Green streets, will have its annual Christmas concert featuring the Scottdale Community Concert Band today at 7:30 p.m. to benefit Connellsville Community Ministries. Items for the food pantry and newborn sizes for the Layettes for Fayette can be donated. Refreshments will follow. For more information, phone 724-626-1790.

HOPEWELL UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 400 Hopewell Road, Brownsville, announces Hanging of the greens for Christmas will be done Saturday at 10 a.m. The church worships Sunday at 11 a.m. when the Rev. Gail E. Mason’s sermon is “So Be It, Lord.’ Scripture for the Advent Candle, representing hope, will be ready by Cindy Dunlevy. Acolyte for the candle is Meghan Dunlevy. There will be special music. Deadline for poinsettia orders is Sunday. Janet Adamovich is organist.

LAUREL MOUNTAIN BAPTIST CHURCH, Gibbon Glade, one mile north of the Mason Dixon line on Route 381, worships Sunday at 10:30 a.m. For more information, phone 724-329-4707 or visit the Website at www.laurelmtnbaptist.org

. The Rev. Dr. Michael George is pastor.

LOVE OUTREACH CHURCH, Village of Phillips on Peach Lane in Uniontown, worships Sunday at 7 p.m. with the Rev. Margaret Jo Friedhof bringing the message. The Harvest Aires and other local gospel musicians will provide music. The church will celebrate the holiday with a Journey to Bethlehem and the lighting of the Advent wreath. The church will host the Sounds of Christmas with local gospel groups on Sunday, Dec. 19, at 7 p.m. Christmas Eve service is on Dec. 24 at 6 p.m. For more information about the church, phone 724-438-LOVE (5683).

MALDEN CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP (FULL GOSPEL-NON DENOMINATIONAL), located three miles west of West Brownsville on Old Route 40 at Malden, worships Sunday at 10:30 a.m. with music by the M.C.F. Praise and Worship Team. The Rev. David White is pastor. For more information, phone 724-785-4280.

MASONTOWN SALVATION ARMY is asking area residents to help ring bells for the kettle program. The Rev. Bob Lewis is kettle captain this year and may be reached at 724-583-9207.

MASONTOWN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH will host its third annual drive-through Nativity on Saturday, Dec. 11, from 6 to 8 p.m. The living drama will feature live actors portraying the Holy Family. There will be animals in a petting area, hot chocolate, Christmas carolers and the gift of a candy cane. For more information, phone the church at 724-583-9207.

MCCLELLANDTOWN FREE METHODIST CHURCH, located at 154 Blaine Avenue, will host Advent worship services to celebrate the Christmas season with the Rev. George R. Eberhart Jr. Sundays at 10:45 a.m. Children’s church is provided. For more information, phone the Revs. George and Ginny Eberhart at 724-324-5024.

MCCLELLANDTOWN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, Route 21, Church Hill, worships Sunday at 9:30 a.m. with Pastor Rebecca Drover delivering the sermon “What’s Wrong With This Picture?’ Robert Hartley is lay liturgist. Megan and Davon Angelo will lead the Advent litany and light the Advent candles. A special congregational meting will be held at 10:25 a.m. Grace Chapel Presbyterian Church will host a Family Advent Night celebration for both churches at 4 p.m. McClellandtown’s Youth group will present a play. Christmas poinsettias may be ordered from Tim Christopher at 724-737-6626. Reservations for the church covered dish Christmas party on Saturday, Dec. 11, at 6 p.m. must be made with Trena Coffman at 724-737-5919 by Sunday. Christmas cards to exchange may be placed in the vestibule box for distribution until Dec. 19. The deacons are collecting food items to help families through the holidays. Items may be placed in a box in the vestibule.

MID-MON VALLEY PRESBYTERIAN ASSOCIATION is sponsoring “Christmas Impressions’ by an anonymous puppeteer at First Presbyterian Church in Fayette City on Sunday, Dec. 12, at 3 p.m. A fellowship will follow the show.

MORNING STAR BAPTIST CHURCH, located on Third Street in Newell, will begin a Bible study in sign language Saturday at noon. The coffeehouse will be closed. Sunday worship is at 10 a.m. For more information on church activities, contact Angel Zueger at 724-785-8513.

MOUNT MORIAH BAPTIST CHURCH, 30 Church St., Smithfield, worships Sunday at 10:45 a.m. with the Rev. Jay Hurley bringing the message “Peculiar Glory.’ Senior choir will bring special music and a word of testimony will be brought by a Faith Team member. For more information on church ministries, call 724-569-4847.

MOUNT OLIVET BAPTIST CHURCH, 51 Stewart Ave., Uniontown, welcomes Soul Inspiration Ministries as it presents the gospel play “The Me Nobody Knows’ on Saturday, Dec. 11 at 4 p.m. Officials said, “‘The Me Nobody Knows’ is a play about real women with real issues. The hurt, anger, jealousy, unforgiveness, insecurity, growing up without a father, self-hatred, emotional and verbal abuse, loneliness, rejection and fear. These are the emotions that are destroying sisters as we so cleverly hide them and go on faking.’ A free-will offering will be taken. No camera or video recording devices will be permitted during the play. There will be CDs that include soundtrack and testimonies from the play on sale. April Jackson is program chairwoman. The Rev. Vincent Winfrey is pastor.

NEW GENEVA BAPTIST CHURCH, Front Street, worships Sunday at 9:30 a.m. when the Rev. Robert J. Robinson delivers the message “Mary Had Her Baby Anyway.’ Bob Brooks and Janet Robinson will present special music. The children will light the Advent Candle of Peace.

NEW SALEM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 27 S. Mill St., observes the second Sunday of Advent at 11 a.m. worship with the Rev. Marnie Abraham Russell, interim pastor. December ushers are Hobie Carroll, Wally Velosky, Mark Nagy and Paul Gmutza. A nursery with adult supervision is provided. The fellowship time after worship will be hosted by Myrtle Swift and Harriette Hickle.

PHILLIPS GOSPEL COFFEE HOUSE REACHING OUT IN FAITH, located in the Village of Phillips on J.K. Packing Road in Uniontown, welcomes Free Spirit from Lemont Furnace today at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. Refreshments will be available. On Saturday, Mountain Top Trio from Connellsville will be in concert. For further information, phone 724-438-6783.

The coffee house will celebrate the holidays with a Christmas jamboree on Friday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Artists include The Harvest Aires and Bob Denny from Uniontown, Gayle Perney from West Newton, Evelyn from Uniontown, Harvest Lights Stan and Connie Meyers from Nemacolin, Shining Lights John and Marcy Harden from Lemont Furnace, Sharon Honsaker from Masontown, Christa Brooks from Connellsville, Flaming Fire from Uniontown, Mountain Top Trio from Connellsville, Mitch Walls from Fayette City, Lavonna from Monroeville. Christmas carols will be performed.

PLEASANT VIEW PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, located two miles west of Smock at the intersection of the Pleasant View and Royal roads, announces the Campbell Men’s Bible Class in conjunction with the Christian Education Committee will sponsor Pleasant View’s Annual Holiday Dinner and Program on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. A 30-minute program featuring the music of the Cramers (Paul and Barb Cramer and Becky Johnson) will follow dinner. Santa has been invited.

The Rev. Keith Conover will preach “Advent, Big Ben and the Messiah’ during Sunday’s 11 a.m. worship service. Amanda Gaborko and Tyler Randolph will be greeters. The Edna Randolph Family is lighting the second Advent candle. The Adult Vocal Choir will provide special music. Rick Richardson will be small talker. A supervised nursery for kindergarten and preschool children is provided after Small Talk through the conclusion of worship. Children in kindergarten through fifth grade will participate in children’s church following Small Talk.

Come In Out of the Cold Bring A Friend Sunday will be Dec. 12 when the church hopes to double its worship attendance.

The church is also participating in the Salvation Army’s Treasures for Children project. The treasure tags represent 50 special needs children throughout Fayette County. Those wishing to participate may take one of the treasure tags from the tree and then buy either an item of clothing or toy or both. These gifts are due back to PVPC by Dec. 5. For more information on church activities, phone 724-677-2149.

ROSCOE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 300 Main St., announces Gary and Cheryl Lewis will lead the Advent Candle Wreath Service and light the second Advent candle at Sunday’s 11 a.m. worship. The chancel choir, directed by Mary Catherine Schmidt and accompanied by pianist Tina Bolin, will sing. George McFadyen is organist for the service. “Winter Soap Opera’ is the title of the Advent message by the Rev. Dr. John Rankin. Arlene Jones is greeter. Orders for poinsettias for chancel decorations are due today to Carol Cowell.

ST. GEORGE MARONITE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 6 Lebanon Terrace, Uniontown, announces its schedule for the Christmas season. Traditional Christmas novena will be held Dec. 15-23 at 7:15 p.m. On Dec. 18, the novena will follow the 5 p.m. Liturgy.

Confessions will be held at St. George on Dec. 8 at 4:45 p.m. for MCF students only and for the parish on Dec. 11 from 4:15 to 4:45 p.m., Dec. 12 from 10 to 10:20 a.m. and Dec. 18 from 4:15 to 4:45 p.m. Area confessions include St. Therese on Dec. 4 at 1 p.m., St. Joan of Arc on Dec. 5 at 3 p.m., St. John Roman Catholic on Dec. 11 at 1 p.m., St. Mary’s on Dec. 14 at 7 p.m., Ss. Cyril and Methodius on Dec. 15 at 7 p.m., St. Joseph on Dec. 18 at 1 p.m. and St. John Byzantine on Dec. 19 from 1 to 3 p.m.

On Sunday, Dec. 19, MCF/MYO members will present “A Blessing Comes Down’ at 10 a.m. Regular 10:30 a.m. Liturgy will follow and the Ladies’ Guild Christmas Breakfast and Youth Party will be held in the social hall.

On Christmas Eve, there is a live Nativity and program by MCF/MYO at 5:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Liturgies are at 6 and 9 p.m. On Christmas Day, Liturgy is at 10:30 a.m. New Year’s Eve Liturgy is at 5 p.m. and New Year’s Day Liturgy is 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 CARMICHAELS announces Orthodox Christians celebrate the Feast of the Entry of the Mother of God into the Temple Saturday. The parish Nativity Fast Retreat will be held on the feast, beginning with Divine Liturgy at 9 a.m. and concluding with vespers at 3 p.m. On Sunday, St. George will hold the annual assembly following the Divine Liturgy. The election of parish officers and the 2005 budget will be considered. On Dec. 6, St. George will be represented at the Robena Mine Memorial program on Old Route 21 at 11 a.m.

The church recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of the consecration of the parish church with Bishop Dr. Mitrophan. The St. George Choir sang. The anniversary banquet was held at Dolfi’s in Masontown. Executive Board President Stan Brozik served as master of ceremonies. Protonica Romana Prodanovich of midland, Pa., spoke about Proto Stavrofor Slobodan Prodanovich, who was a priest at St. George. She was accompanied by her daughter, Vesna Meinert, technical editor of the Path of Orthodoxy and secretary for Shadeland Camp. Other participants included Proto Stavrofor Vasilije and Protonica Zoreen Sokolovich of Cleveland, Protopresbytery George Yatsko, priest of Nativity of Blessed Virgin Mary Orthodox Church in Monongahela, who grew up in St. George Church; the Rev. Rumen Stoychev from Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Orthodox Church in Masontown, St. George executive board vice president and altar service Dr. Ivko Dimitric, and choir and kolo president Sonia Janson. Andrea Janson, associate director of the choir and audit board member, prepared an anniversary book.

Fifteen priests have served the parish. Four priests and one deacon were ordained at St. George. The ordained priests included the Rev. Vasilje Sokolovich, the Rev. Milan Sturgis, the Rev. Djokan Majstorovic and the Rev. Rodney Torbic. The Rev. Yatsko was ordained deacon. The Rev. George Yatsko and Tonsured reader Mark Zivkovich are two parishioners from St. George who went to seminary and received master’s degrees in divinity.

Parish records indicate 334 individuals became Serbian Orthodox Christians through baptism and chrismation. Four hundred and fifty eight individuals were buried under the auspices of the Church. Eighty-four weddings were celebrated. The Rev. Rodney Torbic is pastor of St. George.

ST. HUBERT ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 9 Sadler St., Point Marion, announced the Altar-Rosary/Christian Mothers distributed brochures to parishioners on the Immaculate Conception and will distributed statues of Our Lady to all students in the religion education program. On the vigil and feast of the Immaculate Conception, Dec. 7 and 8, a member will lead the praying of the rosary 15 minutes prior to Mass, calling attention to the Mother of God and patroness of the United States.

Members of the Holy Name Society will purchase and distribute holiday fruit baskets to all homebound and shut-ins before the celebration of Christmas. Students of the seven and eight years of CCD will prepare holiday mementos of Kleenex, candy canes and a Nativity scene for the residents of Point Manor Nursing Home. High school students will wrap special gifts and sing carols for the residents of Liberty Hall nursing facility in Fairchance and Point Manor in Point Marion. A communal penance rite is set for Sunday, Dec. 19, at 1:30 p.m. with several priests to help with confessions. That same day at 3 p.m., the children of the parish will enjoy a Christmas party in the CCD center.

ST. PAUL’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 71 N. Gallatin Ave., Uniontown, will celebrate the second Sunday in Advent with the distribution of Holy Communion at the 4 p.m. Quiet Hour Communion Service on Saturday. On Sunday, Holy Communion will be distributed at 8:30 and 10:45 a.m. worships with the Rev. Paul N. Frank Jr. delivering the sermon “And Now Introducing…’ For more information call 724-437-9000 or e-mail at begin splcu@dp.netchool. splcu@dp.netchool. end

ST. PETER’S CHURCH, a parish of the Anglican Communion, 60 Morgantown St., Uniontown, will observe the second Sunday of Advent with a service of Holy Eucharist at 8 and 10:30 a.m. Serving as chalice bearers and lectors will be David Hoover, Robert Springer and Shirley Conaway. Darren Webster, Christian Evans and Meredith Balas will act as crucifer and acolytes. The Holy Eucharist and healing service is held at noon on Wednesday. The altar guild members for December are Jeanne Litman, Frances Chaney, Chris Rose, Debra Rhodes and Pamela Balas. The Rev. Thomas R. Finnie is the rector. For further information on church activities, phone 724-438-7731.

ST. PETER’S LUTHERAN CHURCH, EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH OF AMERICA, 121 Walnut Hill Road, Uniontown, will celebrate the second Sunday of Advent with Holy Communion at 10:30 a.m. worship. The congregation has designated this Commitment Sunday. Kids’ Time with God, a program for children ages 3 through 8, will be held in Noah’s room during worship. A special meeting of the congregation, for the purpose of approving the 2005 program budget of the congregation, will be held immediately after worship, followed by a fellowship time. The Rev. Bernard W. Carl is pastor. For more information on church activities, phone 724-439-5884 or 724-439-4730 or e-mail the pastor at PastorCarl9@aol.com.

SMITHFIELD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 20 Church St., worships Sunday at 11 a.m. Doug and Jacob Proud will light the second candle on the Advent wreath. The Rev. Maggie J. Foreman will bring the message “Christmas and the Impossible Dream.’ A Christmas covered dish dinner will follow worship in fellowship hall.

SOLID ROCK MINISTRY – FAITH, HOPE, LOVE, 38 N. Gallatin Ave., Uniontown, announces food pantry is in operation Monday through Friday from 8 to 10 a.m. A free coffee and doughnut ministry is in operation at the church Monday through Friday from 8 to 10 a.m. There is also praise and worship Wednesday and Thursday at 7 p.m. Sunday coffee and fellowship is at 10 a.m. Sunday worship is at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Children’s Christmas cantata will be presented Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. with refreshments afterwards. A free community Christmas dinner will be provided on Saturday, Dec. 25, at 2 p.m. Transportation is available. For more information, phone the Rev. Buzz Hall at 724-880-4714 or phone 724-438-2638.

TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 27 Main Street, Fairchance, worships Sunday at 9:30 a.m. when the Morris family will light the second candle on the Advent wreath. The Rev. Maggie J. Foreman will bring the message “Christmas and the Impossible Dream.’

TRINITY UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, corner of Morgantown and West Fayette streets, Uniontown, worships Sunday at 11 a.m. when a service of Lessons and Carols will be presented by the chancel and handbell choirs. Soloists include sopranos Brenna Shultz and Jessica Mariotti, contralto Kristina Driskill, tenor Jesse Lowry and baritone Ryan Kok. Readers are the Rev. Michael Orsted, pastor, and Todd Sproul with guest organist Dr. William Haller from West Virginia University. The coffee fellowship will be hosted in the chapel by the Presbyterian Women after worship. A nursery is provided during worship for children 5 and under. For more information, visit the Web site www.trinityupc.net

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UNIONTOWN CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN, 20 Robinson St., offers Saturday Night ALIVE, a contemporary praise and worship service, Saturday at 6 p.m. The church will offer a four-week video series during the 9:30 a.m. Sunday school hour in the sanctuary throughout Advent. “Carpe Diem – Seize the Day’ is the name of he course, based on the book of the same name by Tony Campolo. A continental breakfast will be available at 9:15 a.m. During 10:30 a.m. Sunday worship, the Rev. A. Harrison Smith will bring the message “The God of Hope – The Christ of Peace.’ Clara Kendall is children’s storyteller. The chancel choir will offer special music. Children’s church will be offered during worship. The church offers valet parking and personal ear monitors. For more information, phone the pastor at 724-425-1866 or the office at 724-438-8372.

UNIONTOWN CHURCH OF CHRIST, 70 Roosevelt Drive, will have a free seminar Saturday with former Pittsburgh Steeler Steve Courson on health and fitness at 7 p.m.

The church worships Sunday 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. There are services Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. For more information, phone 724-439-4747.

WALNUT HILL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 132 Collier Road, Uniontown, announces worship is Sunday at 9:30 a.m. when the Rev. Arnold G. Husk delivers the sermon “No Wonder They Wondered.’ For more information on church activities, phone 724-430-0131.

WEST LEISENRING UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 329 Third St., worships Sunday at 11 a.m. when lay minister Ross Ackinclose will have the sermon “Tell It Like It Is.’ Angel Riggin will light the second Advent candle, “Bethlehem.’

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GOOD COUNSEL FRIARY OF MORGANTOWN will host a New Year’s Eve Mass and Party, gathering at 9 p.m. on Dec. 31 with Mass at 9:30 p.m. and a party to follow. Registration is needed only if staying overnight by calling the Rev. Jude J. Mili at 304-594-1714.

NEW STANTON ASSEMBLY OF GOD, 117 Assembly of God Lane, will host “Follow the Star,’ a community Christmas celebration Dec. 18-19 from 6 to 10 p.m. Church members will provide guests with free gift wrapping and an opportunity to purchase baked good and holiday crafts in fellowship hall. Live musical Christmas performances will be held in the sanctuary throughout the evening. Children can watch puppet shows, make holiday crafts and meet Santa Claus. There will be a display of lights, a bonfire and a life Nativity. For more information or directions, phone 724-925-3030.

STEPPING STONES MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL will hold a youth lock in entitled “Take It By Force’ on Dec. 31 at 7 p.m. for youths from the tri-state area. For more information or directions, phone 724-434-5886.

TOURS PLANNED: A tour of Italy has been scheduled for April 3-13 in conjunction with the Holy Father’s Year of the Eucharist. Bishop Lawrence Brandt will accompany the trip along with the Rev. Edward McCullough, director of pilgrimages for the diocese, and other priests. For a detailed packet on the tour you are interested in, call 800-242-0728. E-mail your mailing address to begin padre16201@yahoo.com padre16201@yahoo.com end

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