The Christmas season in Pendleton County is highlighted by area churches holding special services which celebrate the birth of the Christ Child.
The public is cordially invited to attend the following programs.
Thursday, Dec. 22
A community Christmas Carol Hymn Sing-a-Long will begin at 6 p.m. today at Calvary Lutheran Church in Brandywine. Bring the family for a sing-a-long of favorite Christmas carols and hear the readings of Christmas, followed by refreshments in the fellowship hall.
Christmas Eve
A Christmas Eve service will begin at 7:30 p.m. at Fairview Bethel United Methodist Church in Fort Seybert.
Franklin Presbyterian Church will hold a Christmas Eve service at 7 p.m. Pastor Deborah Beam will bring the message. The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper will be observed, and candle lighting will be held at the end of the service.
Franklin United Methodist Church on Main Street will host a Christmas Eve service at 10 p.m. There will be special music by the choir and bell choir, candle lighting, readings and a message. Dress is casual. Pastor Mike Loudermilk has invited attendees to bring along a bright light.
The annual Christmas Eve program will begin at 7 p.m. at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Deer Run. The program will consist of three plays, “Symbols of Christmas,” “Someone Is Coming to Our House” and “Christmas by the Book,” and special music.
Friends Run Church of the Brethren on Route 33 East of Franklin will present its Christmas Eve program at 7 p.m. The play entitled “Miracle of Christmas – Worship His Majesty” by Lisa Parker will be performed. There will be lighting of the Advent Candles, singing and scripture readings.
The Mountain Lutheran Parish will hold Christmas Eve candlelight services with Holy Communion at the following times: 4 p.m. at Calvary in Brandywine, 5:30 p.m. at St. John in Moyers, 7:30 p.m. at Mt. Hope in Upper Tract and 10 p.m. at Faith in Franklin.
Christmas Day
Christ Central Community Church in Upper Tract will celebrate the Savior’s birth at 10 a.m.
Faith Lutheran Church in Franklin will hold services at 11 a.m.
Elder Carrie Ruddle will bring the message beginning at 11 a.m. at Franklin Presbyterian Church.
Come sit right back and hear a tale – a tale of a fateful trip at High Rock Church at 7 p.m. when “Gulligan’s Island Christmas” is presented. Reminisce with the congregation as they join Gulligan and Clipper for an action-packed evening. Santa will make his annual appearance, and the offering will be for the Burlington Children’s Home.
Christmas Mass will begin at 8:30 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Franklin.
