Fallsnewspress.com - Worship News (Dec. 6)

St. John's Episcopal Church

St. Nicholas is coming to St. John's on Dec. 6. Attendees are invited to bring their children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews to learn about a Christmas icon.

The Episcopal Church Women's annual Christmas Tea will be Dec. 6 from 4 to 6 p.m. Ticket donation is $8 - advance sales only. Tickets are available in the undercroft from Heidi Myers. For more information, call 330-928-1817.

St. Monica's Guild and St. Margaret's Guild will meet Dec. 10. St. Monica is having lunch with their spouses at noon at Bistros Restaurant. St. Margaret will meet at Nancy Brightman's house at 10:30, address Christmas cards to shut-ins, have a short meeting and then go to Papa Joe's for lunch.

The Altar Guild is now taking donations for poinsettias. They are used to decorate the church at Christmas, and on Christmas Day, they will be given to the parish's shut-ins. The cost is $10. All payments are due by Dec. 31.

For more information, call Carol Weitzel. The church is located at 2220 Second St.

Northminster Presbyterian Church

The Northminster Presbyterian Church, located at 104 W. Portage Trail Extension, invites community members to join the congregation for its Sunday morning worship services at 10:30 a.m., as the church celebrates the Advent season. During Advent, the Rev. Stephanie Crossland will center her worship themes around "Unwrapping the Christmas Gifts of God. The Sundays in Advent will include "The Christmas Gift of Affirmation," "The Christmas Gift of Acts of Service," and "The Christmas Gift of Affection." The Christmas Eve worship service will be celebrated on Dec. 24, at 7 p.m. with "The Christmas Gift of Sharing in Gift-Giving." The service will include Scripture, candlelight, and special music in songs and bells from adult and children's choirs.

The next spaghetti dinner will be Dec. 11 from 5 to 7 p.m. The dinner includes spaghetti with marinara, chunky meat sauce or special Alfredo sauce, salad, bread, dessert and coffee, punch or tea. The cost is $7 for adults, $3.50 for children 6-12, and free for children 5 and under. As a special treat, there will also be live Christmas music performed by Tim Yeager and Donna McDonald, playing guitar and hammer dulcimer.

The Bell Choir will be performing a Holiday program for Cardinal Retirement Village, 171 Graham Road, on Dec. 14, at 7 p.m. All are welcome to attend.

The Pioneer Club, the church's non-denominational youth club for ages 4 through seventh grade will continue to meet on Thursday evenings at 6 p.m. through Dec. 17. They will begin meeting again in the new year, on Jan. 28, 2010.

Good Neighbors is accepting children's and teenagers' Christmas gifts, along with non-perishable foods, taxable items and brown grocery bags until Dec. 6. Bring any donations to the church and help to fill the grocery cart for Good Neighbors.

For further information, call the church office at 330-928-8885.

First United Methodist Church in Cuyahoga Falls

The Renaissance Ringers, a local bell group, is presenting a concert of holiday music at First United Methodist Church, 245 Portage Trail in Cuyahoga Falls on Dec. 6 at 3 p.m. No child care available for this concert.

The annual Christmas Dinner hosted by the United Methodist Women at First Church is Dec. 9 at 6:30 p.m. in Wesley Hall at the church. Everyone is invited to come and enjoy a great dinner and a program by the Firestone High Madrigal Singers. Tickets are $10 for adults or $3 for a child's pizza and are available at the church office during the week or on Sunday mornings in Asbury Hall.

First Church is sponsoring a Parent's Night Out on Dec. 11 from 6 to 10 p.m. The cost is $5 for children ages 4 through sixth grade ($15 per family maximum) and children 3 and under is $10 ($25 family maximum) The evening includes dinner, the new Veggie Tales movie, St. Nicholas, a mission project for the kids and a Christmas shop so that they can shop for their parents. For more information, or to register by Dec. 9, call 330-923-5241, ext. 218.

Come to brunch with St. Nicholas at First Church on Dec. 13 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Wesley Hall. There will be a great spread of food and an omelet bar and St. Nicholas will be there to talk with and take pictures with the children. Pictures are free if an unwrapped new toy is brought to donate for Toys for Tots. Donation for the brunch is $7 for adults and $5 for children ages 3-12. Children 2 and under eat free.

Enjoy beautiful music of the season and singing of carols at the Festival of Carols at First Church on Dec.13 at 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. The evening features music from the children's, youth and adult choirs accompanied by a variety of instruments and the Chancel Ringers. That same evening, enjoy a home-cooked meal at the church beginning at 5 p.m. Bring a covered main dish to share and table service, and the church will provide rolls and beverages. All are welcome.

United Presbyterian Church

The theme for the service on the Second Sunday in Advent will be "The Promise of Peace." The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper will be celebrated at both services.

The traditional service starts at 8:30 a.m. and the New Creation contemporary service starts at 11 a.m. The educational hour, including "Amazement Park" for elementary school-age children, is from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. Child care for babies and toddlers is available throughout the Sunday morning activities. Parking is available on church property. All are welcome.

On Dec. 6, from 7 to 8 p.m., the U. P. C. Youth Groups will meet at the church for both Middle School and High School groups.

U.P.C. is participating in an inter-church bowling league at Tallmadge Lanes, Monday evenings, beginning at 6:45 p.m.

PrayerLab will meet Dec. 8, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. PrayerLab is ministry that focuses in on participants' prayer needs and helps participants grow in effective prayer.

On Dec.12, the U.P.C. Free Soup Lunch will take place in the Fellowship Hall, serving anyone who comes, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The church is located at 2819 Hudson Drive in Cuyahoga Falls. For more information, call the church at 330-923-9735 or e-mail the church at office@cfupc.org.

Bethany United Church of Christ

Bethany is collecting non-perishable items and cash donations for clients of Good Neighbors in Cuyahoga Falls. Please bring items in by Dec. 6. Again this year Bethany has a Giving Tree that benefits 14 families at H.M. Life Opportunities and the families of IHN. IHN is an emergency shelter for homeless families and HM Life Opportunities provides transitional housing to families up to two years. The Giving Tree will contain gift tags for certificates to area businesses for the church's IHN families when they move into their new homes. It will also have tags for requested gift items from members of 14 families from HM Life that the church has committed to support for the holidays. The church has also added a few toy items they need for its IHN families when they stay for the week. Gifts of the Heart supports 12 of the mission projects at Bethany. Participants can choose one or all missions and give a gift in someone's name or as a special Christmas donation. Return the list and check at the Mission table in the Social Hall, the offering plate or the church office. Contact the church office to obtain a gift tag. The All Church Christmas Caroling, led by the Chancel Choir, will be Dec.16. Participants will meet in the gathering area at 6:15 p.m. and will leave at 6:30 p.m. Hot chocolate and cookies will be available after the carolers return to the church. Sunday worship times at Bethany UCC are 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. with Church School for all ages at 9:15 a.m.

For information call 330-923-5277. Bethany United Church of Christ is located at 1235 Broad Blvd.

Pilgrim United Church of Christ

Calling all youth in grades 9 through 12: There's a new youth class beginning with new teachers and a new study. "No Easy Answers: Take Two Tablets" is a study about Christian moral decision making. All youth are invited to come and discover their own style of decision making and how God's word given to people through the Ten Commandments can help people in making Christian ethical decisions. The Youth Class will meet in the ATTIC (Attitudes Turning Truthful in Christ) at 9:30 a.m. on Sundays.

Rehearsals have resumed for Bell Choir on Wednesday evenings at 8. All are welcome to attend. The Bell Choir meets for the first half of the season through December.

Beginner's Bible Study meets each Wednesday at 7 p.m. Prepare for Christmas by seeing The Nativity through the eyes of the Herdmans. The Herdmans are characters from the book, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Contact the church office at 330-928-4847 on how to receive more information or for a book.

The Mitten Tree has appeared in the parking lot entry at Pilgrim Church. Please bring hats, scarves, mittens, gloves for all ages, children and adults. These items are donated to Good Neighbors to help those in need to stay warm during the winter weather.

The Pilgrim Christmas Pageant including The Joyful Noise Choir will rehearse Dec. 6 from 9:30 until 10:15 a.m. Children of all ages are invited.

It's time for Toys Around The Manger. Unwrapped toys for children of all ages will be collected at the morning worship on Dec. 6. These are donated to Good Neighbors for their toy drive. Donors are asked to remember items for older teens as well as younger children.

The Pilgrim Youth and Evangelism are sponsoring an all-church Christmas Caroling Event Dec. 13. Contact the church office at 330-928-4847 for further details.

The church is located at 130 Broad Blvd.

First Congregational Church of Tallmadge

The holiday season can be a difficult time of year for those who are living with painful memories of loss, whether it is through death, divorce, separation or other significant losses. Holiday celebrations can make one more acutely aware of the absence of loved ones. First Congregational Church of Tallmadge invites individuals and their families or friends to attend a Blue Christmas service Dec. 13 at 6:30 p.m. to help bring strength, courage and peace during this holiday season. The service will feature meditation, worship, singing and prayer. Light refreshments will be served following the service.

The church is located at 85 Heritage Drive.

Broadman Baptist Church

Broadman Baptist Church "A church that makes a difference," is located at 350 E. Bath Road. For more information, call the church at 330-923-6127.

The worship schedule is as follows (Note: Child care available):

On Sundays, 9 a.m. - Prayer in sanctuary; 9:30 a.m. - Coffee and fellowship; 9:45 a.m. - Life Impact classes for all ages; and 11 a.m. - service.

On Wednesdays, from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. Dinner available - menu varies - reasonably priced, 6:30 p.m. - Gather in Sanctuary, 7 - 8 p.m. - Studies - ages grouped.

The Shawnetta's Winter Concert will take place Dec. 6 at 6:30 p.m.

The LifeWay Partnership meeting will take place Dec. 9 through 11. Location and time TBD.

The Kent Le Mar (Nat King Cole) Christmas Concert will take place Dec. 13 at 6:30 p.m. Many of Nat King Cole's songs will be sung by this tribute singer.

Cookies with Santa and Caroling will take place Dec. 16 at 6:30 p.m. Participants will start off in the Fellowship Hall and make their way to Cardinal Village.

Northampton Bible Church

Northampton Bible Church Wednesday Family Night is underway and runs through April 2010. Supper is from 6 to 6:30 p.m. Call for reservations. Donations are suggested for the meal.

Journey Covenant Church

The church serves a free, hot dinner (Christ Kitchen Dinner) to local residents on the last Wednesday of every month from 6 to 7 p.m.

Christ Kitchen Dinners are open to the public.

The church is located at 2679 North Haven Blvd., Cuyahoga Falls (at the corner of 17th Street).

Worship services take place Sundays at 10:15 a.m.

For more information, call 330-923-8021 or visit the church on the Web at www.journeycov.org.