Abba Christian CenterPastor Michael Bruno will lead the 10 a.m. Sunday service at Abba Christian Center, Slippery Rock Middle School, 201 Keister Road. A Christmas musical presentation, directed by Theresa Burnworth, will be shared.The Upon This Rock Bible study, emphasizing Biblical principles devised to enrich marriages, will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the home of J.R. and Ginger Walters in Slippery Rock. For information, call the church office at 724-794-1009.

Butler Church of the NazarenePractice for the children's Christmas program at Butler Church of the Nazarene, 4410 Oakdale Road and Route 68, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday. A children's Christmas party will follow at noon.The Teen Department will meet at 2 p.m. Saturday for a trip to view the film, "The Nativity," followed by a Christmas party at the church.The Children's Department Christmas program will be performed at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. Children should arrive at the church by 10 a.m.The adult and children's Timbrel Praise Team will perform at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Evergreen Nursing Center.Christmas caroling for shut-ins will be held Sunday evening. The group will depart from the church at 6 p.m.A community dinner will be held at 5 p.m. Wednesday at the church.

Christ Community U.M.Members of Christ Community United Methodist Church, 205 N. Duffy Road, will ring bells and collect donations for the Salvation Army at the grocery entrance of Wal-Mart from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday.The Mission Team will hold its annual Christmas bake sale following weekend worship services. Assorted cookie trays, pies, soup, fudge and gift items will be available.The congregation is invited to attend Generations of Christmas on Sunday. A pot luck dinner will begin at 5:30 p.m. Those attending should take a main dish, side dish and place settings. Beverages will be provided. Christmas caroling will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by a Christmas program of special music, skits and stories in the sanctuary.Baskets are needed to assist with the Hope In Store Christmas project. Gift baskets containing fair trade coffee, tea, hot chocolate. and chocolate bars will be available for purchase during the holiday season. Contact Brenda Cole to place orders.The Disciple I class will meet at noon Sunday. There will be no Disciple classes on Dec. 24 or Dec. 31.The church council will meet at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. This will be the final meeting of the 2006 class of officers.

Christ's Outreach"A Christmas Prayer" musical and drama will be presented during the Saturday and Sunday services at Christ's Outreach Church, 120 Walker Ave.Donations of $5 are being sought for the Adopt a Shut-In for Christmas program. Donations will purchase fruit to deliver to shut-ins during the Christmas season. Gift totes can be picked up the church and delivered to the adopted shut-in. For information, call 724-283-8633 by Friday.

Community AllianceThe Glory of Christmas celebration will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday at Community Alliance Church, 800 Mercer Road. This will be a time of celebration with music and drama.

Community Life ChurchThe youth group of Community Life Church, McQuistion Elementary School, will host a White Elephant Bingo Christmas Extravaganza from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the YMCA.

Covenant PresbyLinda Day, will lead the Seekers Class of Covenant Presbyterian Church, 230 E. Jefferson St., Sunday. She will speak on Old Testament references in the birth stories of Jesus in Matthew. The class meets at 9:45 a.m. in the Assembly Room.The Advent Bible study course on Handel's Messiah will conclude at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Saint Andrews United Presbyterian Church.The Christmas joy offering will be received at the 11 a.m. service Dec. 24.Faith Fellowship AllianceThe children of Faith Fellowship Alliance Church, 200 Faithway-Fared Drive, will present the program "Five Lessons of Advent" at 6 p.m. Sunday. Refreshments will be served.

First BaptistThe choirs of First Baptist Church, 221 W. New Castle St., a and First Baptist Christian School will present a cantata under the direction of music minister Todd Wentworth at 2 p.m. Saturday at Sunnyview Home. The group also will preform the cantata at 6 p.m. Saturday at the church.Todd Wentworth and Phil Tucker will present a violin-piano mini-concert during the 10:55 a.m. Sunday service.A children's Christmas program will be performed at the 6 p.m. Sunday service.The church will conduct a nursing home service from 2 to 3 p.m. Monday at Sunnyview Home.Teens and their parents will meet for Big Night bowling from 6:45 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Family Bowlaway, 540 Fairground Hill Road. A devotional will follow at the Baptist Youth Center.

First U.M.Blue will perform at all Sunday services at the First United Methodist Church, 200 E. North St.The next 3M's meeting will be at noon Dec. 21 in Epworth Center. Entertainment will be the Fisherman's Gospel Quartet. Lunch is $10 per person, payable in advance. For reservations, call the church at 724-283-6160.

Glade Run U.P.The Men's Fellowship Breakfast of Glade Run United Presbyterian Church, 1091 Pittsburgh Road, Valencia, will be held at 7 a.m. Saturday at the Country Kitchen in Penn Township.The Preschool Place will hold its Christmas pageants Tuesday and Wednesday. Parents and friends are invited.The R.O.C.K. after school program will have its Christmas program at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. Refreshments will follow.Christmas card greetings may be given to individual families by placing cards in designated slots outside the sanctuary door. Greetings for the entire congregation may be posted on the bulletin board in Fellowship Hall.The Blazing Star Choral Society, sponsored by the Butler County Symphony, will perform at 3 p.m. Sunday in the sanctuary. Tickets are $10 and are available in the church office.

Grace @ Calvary LutheranYouth group appreciation night will be held at 6 p.m. Friday at Grace @ Calvary Lutheran Church, 123 E. Diamond St.The Sunday school Christmas program will be held during the 10 a.m. Sunday service.Advent services continue at 7 p.m. Wednesdays.

GRACEWAY CommunityAmber Crowe and Jenny Taylor will provide music for the 10 a.m. Sunday service at GraceWay Community Church, Center Township Elementary School, Mercer Road, Center Township.Youth Group member Hunter Hays will provide a Christmas Reading during the Sunday service. Patrick and Amy Parker will light the fourth candle and Sandy Swank will lead the congregation in a reading commemorating "Love."The Christmas party will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Rocky Mountain Deli. Participants should take a snack to share. For information, call 724-290-7007.There will be a parents meeting for the GraceWay Youth from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Panera Bread.

Hill U.P.The chancel choir of Hill United Presbyterian Church, 501 Second St., will present the cantata "Let Heaven and Nature Sing Gloria" at the 10:30 a.m. Sunday service. The Revs. Clark Sawyer, John Porter, Mike Winship, and Fred Young will serve as narrators. The Celebrate a Life birthday party will follow the service.The children and youth will present their Christmas musical "The Christmas S.O.C.C.E.R. Team" at 7 p.m. Sunday.

Mars U.P.Mars United Presbyterian Church, Crowe Avenue, Mars, will celebrate the third Sunday of Advent this Sunday with the lighting of the candle of joy at the 8:30 and 11 a.m. services. Mary Snow will deliver the children's message at both services.The Children's Christmas Pageant will be performed at 5 p.m. Sunday in the sanctuary.

Mt. Chestnut PresbyThe annual Christmas Concert at Mount Chestnut Presbyterian Church, 727 Old West 422, Franklin Township, will be held at 7 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. Sunday. The concert, "A Hometown Christmas Service,"will include readings, acts and music. The event is open to the public and no tickets or reservations required.Acongregational meeting will be held at noon Sunday at the church. The meeting will include the election of new elders, deacons and the nominating committee members.

New Life Christian MinistriesThe Christmas Post Office at New Life Christian Ministries, Knoch School Auditorium, 345 Knoch Road, Saxonburg, is open before and after worship Sundays. Persons may place cards in the bins provided.The youth ministry for grades 6-12 will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the home of Jim and Amy Brown. For information, contact senior pastor Chris Marshall at 724-898-1940.Persons interested in singing in the Christmas Carol Chorale should contact Dean Burtner at 724-352-5328. The chorale will sing on Christmas Eve. Rehearsal will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday at The Bridge, 102 Bay St., Penn Township.The undesignated Christmas Eve offering will be shared with the South East Asia Prayer Center school

North Main Street Church of GodIn conjunction with the children's lesson series on "Charlotte's Web in Noah's Park," members of North Main Street Church of God, 1201 N. Main St. Ext., will take a trip to see the movie "Charlotte's Web" at South Pike Cinema, Route 356. Tickets are $3.50 and must be purchased in advance. The concession stand will be open. A limited number of tickets are available. Sign up in Noah's Park. Each child must be accompanied by an adult.Heather Cypher will perform a lyrical dance at the 10:30 a.m. Sunday service. The Kroneberg family will light the Advent candle.

Oak Hills ChristianThe Chancel Choir of Oak Hills Christian Church, Old Plank and Township Line Roads, will present a program of Christmas music, "Memories of a Merry Christmas," at the 10:45 a.m. Sunday service. The program is under the direction of

Ralph Christy Jr.The Youth Group will go caroling from 5:30 to 7:30 Sunday. Participants will meet at Fellowship Hall. All ages are welcome. A Christmas party will be held after caroling and attendees should take a dozen sandwiches, a dozen cookies or a salad. Parents should take a small wrapped gift for their child for Santa's bag.

Old Union PresbyThe Church Growth Team of Old Union Presbyterian Church, 200 Union Church Road, Mars, will meet after worship this week.This week's worship will feature the children's Christmas program.Monday meetings during January will be one week later than usual because due to the New Year's holiday.

Saint Andrews U.P.The Tender Tots Pre-K Christmas Program will be presented at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Friday at Saint Andrews United Presbyterian Church, 201 East Jefferson St.The children will meet at 6 p.m. Friday in the Bethany Room to decorate Christmas cookies to be delivered during the caroling party which follows. For information, contact Lori Haughey.The Chancel Choir will present the Christmas cantata "Make His Praise Glorious" at 10 a.m. Sunday.The youth will gather for the annual Christmas party at 6 p.m. Sunday at the White's house.The community Bible study on Handel's Messiah concludes Wednesday. The group will meet at 1 p.m. in the Memorial Room.Sunday is the last day to order a poinsettia for the sanctuary or a luminary for outside the church on Christmas Eve.

St. John's ReformedAt 9:30 a.m. Sunday there will be a Sunday school breakfast at St. John's Reformed Church, Route 68 and Benbrook Road, Butler Township. Immediately following, the children will present their Christmas program.At 5 p.m. Sunday the youth Christmas party will be held at the Petersons. Everyone attending should take a tureen and a $5 gift to exchange. Meat, beverage and table service will be provided. The party will end at 8:30 p.m.

St. John's U.C.C.A family oriented "Cookies and Crafts" event is scheduled for 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday in the fellowship hall of St. John's United Church of Christ, 501 E. Main St., Evans City. Children and their parents will be able to make their own decorated cookies and a variety of crafts for the Christmas season. Drinks and snacks will be provided.The women of the church will hold a Christmas by Candlelight gathering at 6:30 p.m. Sunday in the fellowship hall.Advent services continue at 8:35 and 11 a.m. Sunday.

St. Mark's Evangelical LutheranThe Christmas program, "The Shawl" will be presented at 11 a.m. Sunday at St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 201 W. Jefferson St. A reception will follow in the Chapel.A live Nativity will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Sunday in the courtyard.The Church Youth will go Christmas caroling Sunday and visit shut-ins at various nursing care facilities and hand out gifts.Offering envelopes are now available at the back of the church. Members can deliver envelopes to those unable to attend services.All church contributions for 2006 must be received by 9 a.m. Dec. 27.The Shepherd's Candle will be lit at the 6 p.m. Communion service Saturday, and the Angel's Candle will be lit at the 6 p.m. Communion service Dec. 23.

St. Peter's EpiscopalThe Hanging of the Greens will take place after the 10:30 a.m. Sunday service at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 218 E. Jefferson St.There will be Holy Communion with healing prayers at 6:15 p.m. Wednesday.Parishioners are invited to choose a name from the back table and be a Caring Angel to a less fortunate child.Parishioners should take a Christian-oriented ornament to the church and place it on the tree in the Parish Hall. There is a list of suggested ornaments in the back of the church.

St. Richard R.C.Free blood pressure screening will be available following the 8 a.m. Mass Sunday at St. Richard Roman Catholic Church, 3841 Dickey Road, Gibsonia.The Life Teen group will hold its Christmas party at 6:30 p.m. Sunday.Eucharistic Adoration will be held from 7:45 to 9 p.m. Tuesday and from 9:45 to 3 p.m. Dec. 21.The Life Teen group will volunteer at the Lighthouse Food Bank for it Christmas distribution at 4:30 p.m. Dec. 21.

Summit PresbyParticipants in the Christmas cantata at Summit Presbyterian Church, 181 Caldwell Dr., should meet for practice at 10 a.m. Saturday.

Trinity LutheranThe Lord's Supper will be shared at the 6:30 p.m. Saturday and 8:30 and 11 a.m. Sunday at Trinity Lutheran Church, 120 Sunset Drive, Center Township.A Christmas program, presented by the children, will be held during the Sunday school hour at 9:40 a.m. Sunday.The children of Kid's Club will lead devotions and the lighting of the Advent candle at the 11 a.m. services Sunday and Dec. 24.Adult Sunday school members and the Youth of Trinity will lead a Journey to Bethlehem from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday. The event will feature shepherd-guided tours through 14 scenes leading to the Nativity. Refreshments will follow in Fellowship Hall.Advent morning prayers are being held from 7:30 to 7:45 a.m. weekdays through Dec. 22.

Trinity PresbyCoventri Choir will present the cantata "Jesus, There's Something About That Name" at the service at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 107 Staley Ave., Butler Township. The youth choir will present music during the service.The final Advent service and luncheon will be held at noon Wednesday.Christmas caroling will start at 6 p.m. Sunday. Participants should meet at the church.Volunteers from Trinity will serve from 9 a.m. to noon Monday at the Covenant Food Cupboard.

West Sunbury U.P.The Sunday school students of West Sunbury United Presbyterian Church, 215 East Church St., West Sunbury, will meet for a party at 9:30 a.m. Sunday in the social hall.The Chancel Choir will perform a cantata during the 10:30 a.m. Sunday service.

Zion LutheranThe choir of Zion Lutheran Church, 438 Bear Creek Road, Sarver, will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday for the dress rehearsal of its musical program. The presentation will be at 7 p.m. Sunday. Refreshments will follow.The Light of Zion class will meet at 1 p.m. Wednesday for a Christmas luncheon at the Davison's Restaurant banquet room.Completed worship surveys are due as soon as possible.