Butler Church of the NazareneThe children's Christmas program will be held at 10:45 a.m. Sunday at the Butler Church of the Nazarene, 4410 Oakdale Road and Route 68.Kidz Kazoo caroling will be held at 5:30 p.m. Friday.The teen Christmas party will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the church.The choir will present its cantata at the Evergreen Nursing Center on Monday and at Concordia Lutheran Ministries on Tuesday.

Christ Community United Methodist Christ Community United Methodist Church, 205 N. Duffy Road, is still accepting volunteers for Adopt-a-Child. For information, call 724-287-4462.The church is collecting blankets for families facing housing emergencies. New or gently used blankets can be dropped off at the church between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. weekdays.To join the Chancel Choir's Christmas cantata, attend a 6:30 p.m. Wednesday rehearsal in the sanctuary.

Christ's OutreachGod's Christmas Lights show boxes should be returned Sunday to Christ's Outreach Church, 120 Walker Ave.The board of directors will meet at 11:45 a.m. Sunday.

Community LifeCommunity Life Church holds service at McQuistion Elementary School. Sunday's sermon will be titled "Christmas is For-giving."No Wednesday evening classes will be held until January.The church is collecting pasta and sauce during December for the St. Vincent DePaul Food Cupboard.For more information, contact the church office at 724-287-3303, clcbutler@zoominternet.net or www.clcbutler.org.

Covenant Presbyterian Covenant Presbyterian Church, 230 E. Jefferson St., will hold Advent Choir rehearsal for the Covenant Choir from 6:30 to 8 p.m. tonight.The Seekers class will present video lectures about Jesus' birth at 9:45 a.m. Sunday in the assembly room.The Covenant Cupboard food bank is requesting donations of graham crackers this month. Donation baskets are in the front entrance hallway on Jefferson Street. Cash donations are also welcome.Fair trade coffee and tea will be available in the assembly room after worship on Sunday.

Fellowship Baptist Fellowship Baptist Church, 3727 Oneida Valley Road, Emlenton, will hold an adult Christmas party potluck and gift exchange at 6:30 p.m. Saturday. After dinner, attendees will enjoy a skit by the youth group and a message from missionary speaker Mike Groves.

First Baptist Women from First Baptist Church, 221 W. New Castle St., are invited to a Bible study at 7 p.m. today at Debbie Broad's home.A children's Christmas program will be presented at 6 p.m. Sunday in the church sanctuary.The church will conduct a Christmas service from 2 to 3 p.m. Dec. 18 at Sunnyview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

First Baptist Church of Evans CityFirst Baptist Church of Evans City, 242 S. Washington St., will provide free gift wrapping from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday at the Toys"R"Us in Cranberry Township.The church will present the children's Christmas musical at 11 a.m. Sunday at the church. A luncheon will follow.

First English LutheranFirst English Lutheran Church, 241 N. Main St., will hold a congregational meeting Sunday to elect new council members.A healing service will be held at 12:30 p.m. Sunday.On Sunday, the senior youth will meet and go caroling.An Advent service and meal will be held at 6:15 p.m. Wednesday. A sign-up sheet is in the social room.Rehearsal for children and adults involved in the special Advent gathering will be held at 10 a.m. Sunday.

First Presbyterian Church of BakerstownThe Rev. Dan Muttart will continue the Help for Living sermon series Sunday at the First Presbyterian Church of Bakerstown, 5825 Heckert Road, Bakerstown.The bell choir will play during the Sunday morning worship service.

First United Methodist First United Methodist Church, 200 E. North St., will hold a Christmas concert titled "Tonight Heaven Touches Earth" at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the sanctuary.

Grace @ Calvary LutheranGrace @ Calvary Lutheran Church, 123 E. Diamond St., will hold a youth group Christmas party at 6 p.m. Friday at the church. Teens should take a white elephant gift.Friday is the last day to order poinsettias and pies.A ladies project day will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at the church.Angel Food Ministry distribution will be held from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the church.The bell choir will practice at 10 a.m. Saturday at the church.The children's Christmas program will be presented at the 10 a.m. service Sunday.Newsletter items are due in the office by noon Monday.Confirmation students will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the church. PacMin will meet at the same time at the church.An Advent service will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

GraceWayMaryAnn Mahan, Jenny Taylor and Andre Parker will provide special music at the GraceWay Community Church Sunday worship service. GraceWay meets at the Center Township Elementary School.GraceWay Community Church will celebrate the third Sunday of Advent Sunday with Bill and Shelly Schwalm lighting the Advent candle. Special emphasis will be placed upon the joy the Savior's birth brings to mankind.Orders are being taken for poinsettias to be used in Christmas services. Call 724-290-7007 for more information.

Harrisville United Methodist Harrisville United Methodist Church, 301 S. Main St. and Route 8, Harrisville, will have a live Nativity behind the church beginning at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Hill United Presbyterian The Memorial Ringers handbell choir will play and the junior team will usher at the Sunday service of the Hill United Presbyterian Church, 501 Second St. Rev. Mike Winship will be the guest preacher at both weekend services.The Christmas joy offering will be collected the next three weekends.The Rev. Fred Young will conclude the adult Sunday school class on prayer Sunday. Sunday school for all ages will resume Jan. 11.Youth in grades seven through 12 should meet at 9:15 a.m. Sunday to prepare bag lunches for the community.The church Christmas dinner will begin at 6 p.m. Sunday and a carol sing will follow.The women's Bible study will be held Tuesday at Susan Thomas' house with lunch to follow.The Christmas musical cast will rehearse at 10 a.m. Saturday followed by a rehearsal for lead roles at noon Sunday. An all-cast rehearsal will be held at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday.The children's chorus will practice at 7:15 p.m. Dec. 18 for the Advent cantata.

Homeacre ChapelThe ladies of Homeacre Chapel, 340 Whitestown Road, will meet at 7 p.m. Friday to pack boxes that will be delivered to shut-ins during Christmas caroling.Those who would like to take part in the Christmas caroling to shut-ins should meet at 4 p.m. Sunday at the chapel.

Mars United Presbyterian Mars United Presbyterian Church, 232 Crowe Ave., Mars, will hold a children's Christmas pageant titled "Angels, Lambs, Ladybugs and Fireflies" at 5 p.m. Sunday. A dinner with Santa will follow.

Meridian United Presbyterian Meridian United Presbyterian Church, 4150 Highland Ave., will be having a church Christmas dinner at 6 p.m. Sunday in McCaslin Hall.The Christmas Eve service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 24. There will be a lighting of the Christ candle and a sharing of light.

Middlesex PresbyterianMiddlesex Presbyterian Church in America, 116 Church Road, Middlesex Township, will hold a covered dish Christmas dinner at 6 p.m. Saturday in the Christian education building.

New Life Christian MinistriesThe Rev. Chris Marshall will continue the Christmas in the Gospels series Sunday at New Life Christian Ministries, Knoch Senior High School, 345 Knoch Road, Saxonburg. More information is available at www.NewLifeXn.org or by calling 724-256-0851.Men's Fraternity groups will not meet until the week of Jan. 6.The ministry staff will gather for a Christmas brunch at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Marshalls' home.

New ZionThe third Sunday of Advent will be celebrated during the Sunday worship service at New Zion Evangelical Church on Route 38, five miles north of Emlenton.The primary class will light the shepherd's candle on the Advent wreath.

Nixon United Methodist Nixon United Methodist Church, 334 Airport Road, will present a drive-through Nativity from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the church. Nine scenes will depict the Nativity story.

North Main Street Church of GodNorth Main Street Church of God, 1201 North Main Street Extension, will present Living Christmas Tree performances at 7 p.m. Thursday through Sunday and at 10:30 a.m. Sunday.A Penn Christian Academy school board meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday in the conference room of the church.Noah's Park and Club 456 will hold a family Christmas party at 7 p.m. Wednesday. The youth group also will have a Christmas party at 7 p.m. Wednesday.The board of directors will meet at 7 p.m. Dec. 18 in the conference room.

Oak Hills Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)The Oak Hills Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 113 Township Line Road, will present a Christmas music program during the Sunday worship service. The Chancel Choir will be featured.

Old Union Presbyterian Old Union Presbyterian Church, 200 Union Church Road, Mars, will have a fellowship dinner after worship on Sunday. Take a dish to share if you are able.The children of the church will present a Christmas program during worship Sunday.On Saturday the youth group will attend a worship service at a synagogue in Pittsburgh and then go rock climbing at an indoor rock wall. They will leave the church at 9:30 a.m. and return at 4:30 p.m.Those interested in Christmas caroling to shut-ins and nursing home residents should meet at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the church. Refreshments will be served after the group returns to the church.

Springdale LutheranThe Sacrament of Holy Communion will be shared at the 11 a.m. Sunday service at Springdale Lutheran Church, 1061 Mahood Road, Concord Township.

Saint Andrews United Presbyterian Saint Andrews United Presbyterian Church, 201 East Jefferson St., will reflect together on "What Do You Want for Christmas?" by James Moore at 9:15 a.m. Sundays.The youth group is seeking donations for a shopping project for needy families. Place checks marked "Christmas Shopping" in the offering plate or see a member of the youth group by Sunday.The youth are selling luminaries to be displayed outside the church on Christmas Eve. To place a luminary in honor or in memory of a loved one, fill out an order form in the narthex and place it in the offering plate. The money raised will be used for youth mission activities.Poinsettia orders are being taken. The poinsettias will be used to decorate the sanctuary and may be taken following the Christmas Eve worship service.To donate flowers for a worship service, sign up on the calendar in the narthex.

St. John's Reformed The Women of Faith of St. John's Reformed Church, Route 68 West at Meridian Road, will hold their annual cookie sale at 9 a.m. Saturday.The children of the church will present "A Traditional Christmas Pageant" at 10 a.m. Sunday. A light breakfast will be served at 9:30 a.m. Rehearsal will be held at noon Saturday.Members of the church will go Christmas caroling at 1:30 p.m. Sunday. After caroling, they will return to the church for doughnuts and hot chocolate.Baked goods for the Connoquenessing Meals on Wheels are due Sunday.

St. John's United ChurchSt. John's United Church of Christ, 501 E. Main St., Evans City, will hold a Christmas by candlelight evening at 6:30 tonight. The evening is for women and will include tea and desserts, readings, carols and sharing memories.A church supper Nativity play will be presented by the Sunday school classes at 5:30 p.m. Sunday.St. John's Single Serving group will meet at the church at 5:30 p.m. Saturday for dinner. After dinner attendees will be entertained by the Southernaires.

St. Mark's Evangelical LutheranAn Advent festival worship, a service of lessons and carols and special music will be offered Sunday at St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 201 W. Jefferson St. The congregation is asked to wear blue Sunday to symbolize the hope of Advent.The church will hold a Christmas event for children up to sixth grade Saturday afternoon. Children will hear the Christmas story and will be able to shop in a gift shop for low-priced gifts. Proceeds will go to Katie's Kitchen.The Eve Bible study will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Butler Country Club for a Christmas dinner and devotions. To make reservations, call Anne Ferguson at 724-285-1843.The youth of the church will meet at 9 a.m. Saturday to bake cookies to sell at weekend services. They will also take orders for bread to be sold the following weekend. Order forms are available by the office and must be turned in by Sunday.The annual congregation Christmas caroling will be held after worship Sunday. Participants will enjoy a pizza lunch in the fellowship hall and will go caroling from 12:30 to 3 p.m.The 2009 offering envelopes are available in the back of the church sanctuary. For more information, call the church office at 724-287-6741.

St. Peter's EpiscopalSt. Peter's Episcopal Church, 218 E. Jefferson St., will present its annual Christmas pageant at 6 p.m. Sunday followed by a supper and carol sing.Church decorating will be held at 12:30 p.m. Dec. 18. Helpers may arrive at noon and take a sack lunch.

Summit Presbyterian The men of Summit Presbyterian Church will hold a Bible study and breakfast at 7 a.m. Saturday at Jefferson Center Presbyterian Church. For more information or directions, call the church at 724-287-2378.Articles for the Summit Herald are due Monday.The last Advent luncheon will be held at noon Tuesday in the fellowship hall.The church is located a few miles south of Butler, on the corner of Saxonburg Road and Caldwell Drive.

Trinity LutheranRemembrance of the Lord's Last Supper will be shared at weekend services at Trinity Lutheran Church, 120 Sunset Drive, Center Township. Those who would like to carol to shut-ins are to meet at the church at noon Sunday.Gifts for the children of Trinity, North Side should be delivered to the church by Sunday.A light supper will be held at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, followed by the service of Holden Evening Prayer.The church is providing baked goods for Meals on Wheels this month. Items are to be nut-free and not iced, and are to be packaged for freezing. Goods should be delivered early Tuesday. For more information, call Linda Cunningham at 724-287-4890.Beginning Saturday, the youth group will have a table in the narthex to sell candy for stocking stuffers, teachers' gifts and more. Funds raised will go toward a youth trip.The flower delivery ministry needs people to deliver altar flowers to shut-ins and hospitalized members. Contact Joan Mariacher at 724-285-5205 to help.

Trinity Presbyterian The youth group of Trinity Presbyterian Church, 107 Staley Ave., Butler Township, will prepare and serve the community meal from 5 to 6 p.m. Wednesday.The Covenant Food Cupboard items for December are spaghetti or spaghetti sauce. Place donations on the table to the right of the narthex.Church volunteers will wrap gifts from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday at Clearview Mall. Proceeds will benefit Habitat for Humanity.Annual reports for 2008 ministry teams are due Monday and should be e-mailed to the church office.The Coventri Choir will provide special music on Sunday.

Westminster PresbyterianThe youth Breakfast B4 School will be held at 6:30 a.m. Friday at Westminster Presbyterian Church (PCA), 420 N. Main St.The Hannah Circle will meet at 9:30 a.m. Friday.The youth Christmas party will be at 7 p.m. Friday at the Depews'.The Hannah Circle will make crafts at 3 p.m. Saturday in the Choir Room.A family fellowship tureen dinner will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday in Perrin Hall.The Christmas dinner and congregation concert will be held at 5:30 p.m. Sunday.At 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, the women in the church will meet to visit the Phipps Conservatory in Pittsburgh for the Christmas flower show.

White Oak Springs PresbyterianThe children of the White Oak Springs Presbyterian Church, 102 Shannon Road, Renfrew, will provide special music during the Sunday worship service.

Whitestown Road BaptistWhitestown Baptist Church, 409 Whitestown Road, will host guest speaker Randy Stoda, a native Pennsylvanian who served as a Southern Baptist missionary to Russia. The church will provide a meal after the service.There will be no evening service on Sunday.

Zion LutheranThe Sacrament of Holy Communion will be shared at the 9 a.m. Sunday service at Zion Lutheran Church, 266 Zion Church Road, Concord Township.

Zion United Methodist Church Brunch with Santa will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Zion United Methodist Church fellowship hall, 438 Bear Creek Road, Sarver.Church members will carol Saturday at Concordia Lutheran Ministries. Participants should meet at 1:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall.The junior high and elementary youth groups will meet from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday for their Christmas parties. Junior high youth should take a $5 donation for World Vision. Elementary youth should take a gift to exchange.Those interested in volunteering at the Cabot Food Bank Wednesday should contact Tim Lucas for more information.The church will present "Music of the Season" at 7 p.m. Sunday in the sanctuary.The 2009 sign up sheet for altar flowers is available.