BUTLER CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE

Millie Martsolf will provide music for the 10:45 a.m. Sunday service at Butler Church of the Nazarene, 4410 Oakdale Road and Route 68. Children's Bible Quizzing will be led by Linda Brown.

A party for distribution of Christmas gifts for the Angel Tree will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the church. Gwen Atkinson will lead the event.

Christmas musical practice for all actors will begin at noon Saturday at the church. The adult choir will join the children's choir for practice at 2 p.m. The children's department Christmas Party will follow at 3:30 p.m., led by Millie Martsolf.

Small plastic foam plates are being collected in December for the hospitality committee.

Donations of nonperishable food items are being collected for a family of seven in need. A collection box is in the downstairs lobby.

The teens of the church are purchasing Christmas gifts for a family with 10 special needs children. Contributions to this ministry can be sent to the Butler Church of the Nazarene, 4410 Oakdale Road, Butler, PA 16001, and should be marked "Special Needs Children."

The Central Zone Ministers and Mates Christmas dinner will be held at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 15 at the Gentle Shepherd Church of the Nazarene in Hermitage. Participants should take a wrapped white elephant gift.

CHRIST COMMUNITY UNITED METHODIST

Bob and Jill Todd will lead the 8:45 a.m. Sunday service at Christ Community United Methodist Church, 205 N. Duffy Road.

Blood pressure screenings will follow all weekend worship services

The Unleavened Bread People Drama Club will perform Saturday at the Salvation Army Christmas party for the Island Playground children.

The youth group will meet at noon Sunday for a pizza and soda lunch. They will attend the matinee performance of the movie, "The Chronicles of Narnia, The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe." Church family and friends are invited to attend.

Fair Exchange Gift Baskets containing coffees, teas, hot chocolate and chocolate bars are available for purchase in the narthex.

Sunday school classes and families participating in the Holiday Service Projects are reminded to bring photographs of their activities to the church for viewing during the contemporary Christmas Eve service.

To show appreciation for Sunday school teachers or to honor other leaders in the church, members are asked to purchase gifts for the Giving Tree. Gifts may include socks, underwear, hats, gloves or toiletry items that are donated to Butler County Children and Youth Services.

The church council will meet at 7:30 p.m. Dec 14 to adopt the 2006 church budget.

CHRIST'S OUTREACH

Nicole Furl will provide music for the Sunday service at Christ's Outreach Church, 120 Walker Ave. Howard Dillaman will perform for the offertory.

Will and Meri Rieseck will light the third Advent Candle during the Sunday service. Mike and Michelle Andres and family will light the candle during the Saturday evening services.

COMMUNITY ALLIANCE

"A King is Born," an original Christmas production will be presented at 6 p.m. Dec. 18 at Community Alliance Church, 800 Mercer Road, Center Township.

COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN

An Advent Drama, written and directed by Dee Demby, will be presented during the 11 a.m. Sunday service at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 230 E. Jefferson St.

Mary Ann Zeigler will be the guest organist for the 11 a.m. Sunday service.

Kung-Yup Na, professor of religion at Westminster College, will lead the Seekers Class at 9:45 a.m. Sunday in the Assembly Room. He will explore the Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper.

The Christmas Gifts and Dinner program for the families who use the Covenant Cupboard will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday in Fellowship Hall. Christopher Walchesky will provide music for the guests.

FAITH UNITED PRESBYTERIAN

Faith United Presbyterian Church, 1329 N. Main St. Ext., Center Township, will host its Advent Dinner and Christmas Play at 6 p.m. Wednesday. Members of the Meadowbrook Kids Club and their parents are invited. Kids Club members will join the children of the church in performing the Christmas pageant. The deacons will provide fried chicken and beverages. Participants should take a dish to share.

FIRST BAPTIST

The Daybreak male quartet from Stockbridge, Ga., will present a Christmas program, "The Angels Sing," at 7 p.m. Friday at First Baptist Church, 221 W. New Castle St. An offering will be received to benefit the First Baptist Christian School.

The concert will be preceded by a spaghetti dinner at 5:30 p.m. at the Baptist Youth Center. The cost is: adults, $5.; children, $3.; and youngsters under 5, free.

The Berean Sunday school Class will hold its annual Christmas banquet at 5 p.m. Saturday in the Baptist Youth Center.

A potluck luncheon in the church social rooms will follow the 11:55 a.m. Sunday service. A children's Christmas program, "The Christmas Chronicles," will begin at 1:30 p.m.

FIRST UNITED METHODIST

The adult Sunday school class, small group, and Ground Zero youth of First United Methodist Church, 200 E. North St., will be wrapping gifts at the Clearview Mall this week. Proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity.

The Wesley Ringers will play at the 8:20 and 10:50 a.m. Sunday services.

The Youth Ensemble will have rehearsals from 8 to 9 p.m. Sunday in the sanctuary.

Poinsettia orders are now being accepted. To place an order in memory of or in honor of a loved one, contact the church office. The poinsettia's are in 7-inch pots with seven to nine blooms and cost $6.50 a piece. Deadline to order is Sunday.

FIRST ENGLISH LUTHERAN

The contemporary service with a liturgical dance performed by Amy Montgomery will be held at 11 a.m. Sunday at First English Lutheran Church, 241 N. Main St. A healing service will follow at 12:30 p.m.

Caroling to shut-ins will begin at 2:30 p.m. Sunday.

A congregational potluck will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. A worship service, preparing for the Light of the World, will follow at 7:30 p.m.

GLADE RUN UNITED PRESBYTERIAN

Volunteers from Glade Run United Presbyterian Church, 1091 Pittsburgh Road, Valencia, will meet in the church parking lot at 8:30 a.m. Saturday to go to the East Liberty Soup Kitchen to assist in the preparation and serving of meals to the homeless. Anyone is welcome.

The annual Youth Christmas dinner will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday. Youth attending are to take a wrapped gift costing no more than $5 for the gift exchange. For information, call 724-898-1016.

The Family Christmas Program, "The Unfriendly Beasts, will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in the sanctuary. Refreshments will follow in Fellowship Hall.

The Boy Scouts/Cub Scouts are collecting toys for Toys for Tots. Unwrapped toys can be taken to the church at 7 p.m. Tuesday. Canned items for the Food Bank will also be collected that night.

GRACE @ CALVARY LUTHERAN

Members of the older youth group of Grace @ Calvary Lutheran Church, 123 E. Diamond St., who have paid for their movie tickets will meet at 6 p.m. Friday at the church to go see "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe."

A youth concert will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Catacombs. Bands will include Messenger Shot, Fear Takes Flight, Seneca the Younger, The Lazy Phoenix, Otelia and Dead and Dishonest. Admission will be $6.

Candles ordered from the older youth group can be picked up after the Sunday service in the social room.

A Christmas party will be held at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday in the social room for the Faith Shapers. There will be a $5 gift exchange for those wishing to participate. Participants should buy a gift for a group member of the same gender.

GRACEWAY COMMUNITY

There will be no service on Dec. 25 at GraceWay Community Church, Center Township Elementary School, Mercer Road, Center Township. The 6 p.m. service on Dec. 24 will be the only service for the Christmas weekend.

Church members should take cookies or snacks to the Christmas Party to be held at 6 p.m. Sunday at the Meridian Fire Hall.

Music for the Sunday service will be provided by Jenny Taylor and Mary Ann Mahan.

Beginning Jan. 1, Sunday morning services will begin at 10 a.m. Nursery and children's church will be available.

HILL UNITED PRESBYERIAN

The Memorial Handbell Choir will perform during the 10:30 a.m. Sunday service at Hill United Presbyterian Church, 501 Second St. God's Ringers will perform the introit.

The teen Sunday school class will meet at 3:45 p.m. Sunday at the church to go to watch "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." The group will also meet at 9:15 a.m. Sunday to prepare bag lunches for the community.

The HyLights youth group will depart from the church at 1 p.m. Sunday for ice skating at PPG Place. Adult volunteers are needed to drive.

Mission Youth trip members will meet 6 p.m. Friday to prepare soup which will be sold after the Sunday service. Cost is $5 per quart. Proceeds benefit the 2006 summer trips.

Nursery volunteers are needed for the Christmas Eve services at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Christmas Day service at 10:30 a.m. Contact John Porter to volunteer.

Donations of knitted scarves, hats, mittens and other warm clothing should be placed under the "Keep Me Warm" Christmas tree in the fellowship hall.

The Youth Bell Ensemble will rehearse at 11:30 a.m. Sunday.

Rehearsal for the children's Christmas musical is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday.

MT. CHESTNUT PRESBYRIAN

A fundraising dinner will be held at noon Sunday at Mt. Chestnut Presbyterian Church, 727 Old West 422, Franklin Township. Meals of spaghetti or lasagna will be available for a donation. Proceeds will benefit the church mission team in their February trip to Mucha Agua in the Dominican Republic. The dinner will follow the 11 a.m. Christmas concert.

The Morph junior/senior high youth group will meet Friday for a sleepover and a trip to the Pittsburgh Mills Mall. For information, contact the church office.

MUDDY CREEK UNITED PRESBYTERIAN

A holiday tureen dinner will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday at Muddy Creek United Presbyterian Church, 341 Muddy Creek Drive. Entertainment by Ken Metrick will follow the dinner.

A Women's Prayer Breakfast will be held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the church manse. Women of both Muddy Creek and Unionville Churches are invited to attend.

NEW LIFE CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES

Karen Schiebel, local mission facilitator, will present information on The Bridge, at the Sunday service at New Life Christian Ministries, Knoch School Auditorium, 345 Knoch Road, Saxonburg. The Bridge, at 102 Bay St., Penn Township, is the church's local mission and outreach center. The undesignated Christmas Eve offering will go to assist in the mission expenses at The Bridge.

Hats, mittens and gloves are being collected for individuals and families in need during the winter season. Donations of new items may be dropped off at The Bridge, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays though Thursdays. Monetary donations are also accepted. The last day to donate is Dec. 15. For information, contact Karen Schiebel at 724-586-2241 or karen©newlifexn.org

The board of elders will hold its annual meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday at The Bridge. The elders' council for 2006 will be elected and the terms of calls of the pastors will be established as well as any other business that may come before the board.

NIXON UNITED METHODIST

The children's choir will perform at the 11 a.m. Sunday service at Nixon United Methodist Church, 334 W. Airport Road, Penn Township.

The church Christmas dinner will be held at 6 p.m. today.

A live Nativity, featuring nine scenes, live actors and animals will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free. Canned goods for the South Central Butler County Food Bank and monetary donations will be accepted.

NORTH MAIN ST. CHURCH OF GOD

"The Gift of Light," living Christmas tree program will be presented at the 10:30 a.m. Sunday service at North Main Street Church of God, 1201 N. Main St. Ext. The third Sunday of Advent will also be celebrated with the lighting of the Shepherd's Candle by Steve and Patti Ball and their son Jeremy.

The nominating committee will gather for a meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Conference Room.

A Narnia party will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Noah's Park for children age 4 through grade 5.

The youth's "Mad House" will host a Christmas party at 7 p.m. Wednesday at The Haven for junior and senior high youth.

The pulpit committee will meet at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Conference Room.

OLD UNION PRESBYTERIAN

The children of Old Union Presbyterian Church, 200 Union Church Road, Mars, will present a Christmas Nativity pageant during the Sunday worship service.

On Sunday, the youth group will go to see "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" movie, eat together and help with the Butler County Special Olympics bowling program. They will leave the church at 12:30 p.m. and return at 8:30 p.m. Cost is $2, and participants should take money for a fast-food meal and snacks at the movies. Students in grades 6 to 12 are welcome.

Unwrapped gifts for the Mars Home for Youth are to be taken to the church this week.

ST. ANDREW ORTHODOX

The Christmas worship schedule has been announced at St. Andrew Orthodox Church, 201 Penn Ave., Lyndora. A Christmas Vigil will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 24, Christmas Liturgy at 10 a.m. Dec. 25 and Divine Liturgy at 9 a.m. Dec. 26.

A New Year's Day service will be held at 10 a.m. Jan. 1.

ST. JOHN'S UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

The Rev. David Schoen from the United Church of Christ's Cleveland office will be guest speaker at the 8:35 Alive and 11 a.m. Sunday services at St. John's United Church of Christ, 501 E. Main St., Evans City.

A Cookies and Crafts Family get together will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday in the church fellowship hall.

Children's practice for the Christmas pageant will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday. The Surprising Christmas Pageant will be presented at 6 p.m. Sunday.

ST. PETER'S EPISCOPAL

Practice for the Christmas pageant at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 218 E. Jefferson St., will be at 9 a.m. Sunday.

The pageant, followed by a soup/sandwich supper and singing of Christmas carols, will be at held 6 p.m. Sunday.

Everyone is encouraged to come and help decorate the church at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday.

SPRINGDALE LUTHERAN

The Sacrament of Holy Communion will be shared during the 9 a.m. Sunday service at Springdale Lutheran Church, 1061 Mahood Road, Concord Township.

TRINITY LUTHERAN

The Holy Eucharist will be shared at the 6:30 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. Sunday services at Trinity Lutheran Church, 120 Sunset Drive, Center Township.

The Outreach Committee, the youth and their mentors will meet for lunch after the 11 a.m. service on Sunday. The group will then go to the homes of shut-ins for Christmas caroling.

The youth of the church will sell Giant Eagle gift cards in the narthex after each service. Proceeds benefit the trip to the 2006 National Youth Gathering in San Antonio.

Donations of Christmas gifts for the children at Trinity Lutheran Church in Pittsburgh are due to the church Saturday or Sunday. Packages should be numbered, corresponding with the names on the wish list.

TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN

The Trinity Fellowship Group of Trinity Presbyterian Church, 107 Staley Ave., will hold its December dinner meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday in Fellowship Hall. The program will be presented by Debbe Picerno. A signup sheet is located in the narthex, and reservations are due Sunday. Contributions of boxes of cereal for the Covenant Food Cupboard will be collected at the dinner.

An evening of Christmas Caroling is planned Dec. 18. Participants should meet at the church at 4 p.m. Refreshments and chili will be served following the caroling. A signup sheet is in the narthex.

Flour and rice are being collected for the Covenant Food Cupboard during December. A donation box is in the Narthex.

VALENCIA PRESBYTERIAN

The Puppet Ministry Team will provide the children's message at the 10 a.m. Sunday service at Valencia Presbyterian Church, 80 Sterrett St., Valencia,

A blood pressure clinic will be held at 11:15 a.m. Sunday in Fellowship Hall.

The congregation is invited to join the Deacons at 5 p.m. Tuesday to decorate the Sanctuary for Christmas.

The Men's Fellowship Ministry will meet for their monthly dinner at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Kings Restaurant, Route 8.

A Community Christmas dinner will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday at Valencia Presbyterian Church. A family-style dinner will be served with entertainment by the "Swinging Sisters" and "Why Bethlehem," a play by the VPC kids. There is no charge for dinner and it is open to the community. Reservations are due today by calling 724-625-2002.

VICTORY FAMILY CHURCH

Independent national Christian recording artist David DeMarco will be at Victory Family Church, formerly Victory Christian Fellowship, for a special multi-media Christmas concert at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 17 and at 9 and 11 a.m. Dec. 18. The concert will features a variety of music styles from pop to jazz, classical to some favorite Christmas standards, combined with some humor, stories, video presentations and a special time of worship. Accompanying David will be pianist, Mason Embry.

WEST SUNBURY UNITED PRESBYTERIAN

The third candle of the Advent Wreath will be lit during the 10:30 a.m. Sunday service at West Sunbury United Presbyterian Church, 215 E. Church St., West Sunbury.

ZION LUTHERAN

The Sacrament of Holy Communion will be shared at the 11 a.m. Sunday service at Zion Lutheran Church, 266 Zion Church Road, Concord Township.