Religion briefs
Editor’s note: To submit a nonprofit announcement to The Sentinel’s Religion section, contact Tom Laub at (717) 248-6741 or by email at living@lewistownsentinel.com. Items also may be faxed to (717) 248-3481 or sent to The Sentinel, 352 Sixth St., Lewistown, PA 17044. Items must be received by Tuesday for publication in the Saturday edition. Submissions will be published as space allows. The editor reserves the right to edit all submissions.
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First Bakers UMC to host Bible study
McCLURE — First Bakers United Methodist Church will host a Bible study every Wednesday at 7 p.m. The church will also host a youth group for individuals under age 18 on the first Thursday of each month, except July.
Schrader UMC to host special speakers
MILROY — Schrader United Methodist Church will host the following speakers during its 8:30 a.m. services:
• Dec. 15 — Pastor Mike Bailey
• Dec. 22 — Pastor Justin Sellers
• Dec. 29 — Greg Stuck
• Jan. 5 — Pastor Harold Sharp
• Jan. 12 — Pastor Bernard Carpenter
• Jan. 19 — Pastor John Looney
• Jan. 26 — Chip Baumgardner
Stony Run Mission upcoming events
McALISTERVILLE — Upcoming events at Stony Run Mission, 2825 Evendale Hill Rd., McAlisterville:
• Dec. 14-15 — “Drive Through Bethlehem” Live Nativity each night from 6-8 p.m.Stay in your car and drive through Bethlehem to experience the journey that led to the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
• Dec. 15 — Christmas program at 9:15 a.m.
• Dec. 22 — No evening service.
• Dec. 29 — Holy Candlelight Communion service at 6 p.m.
Worship services at Trinity Lutheran Church
McALISTERVILLE — Trinity Lutheran Church, 420 Main St. in McAlisterville.
The annual Community Blue Christmas Service will be Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church in Mifflin (304 Juniata St.). This service is for all who struggle during the holidays. The children’s Christmas program will take place during worship on Sunday, Dec. 22.
This year, TLC will host two services on Christmas Eve (Tuesday, Dec. 24). “Christmas in the Barn” will begin at 3 p.m. at the Sawmill Heritage Farm in McAlisterville. The Candlelight Service will begin at 7 p.m. at the church. All are welcome.
Watch our services live on our Facebook page or posted on our YouTube Channel and website, www.trinitymcalisterville.org. Worship begins at 9 a.m. Social time and children’s and adult Sunday School take place after worship. Check out our website and Facebook page to find out more about what’s coming up at TLC.
Services at Upper Room Worship Center Cafe Church
BELLEVILLE — The Upper Room Worship Center Cafe’ Church, 4567 E. Main St. in Belleville. Worship services Sunday at 10:30 a.m.
Services at Grace Baptist Church in Port Royal
PORT ROYAL — Services at Grace Baptist Church, Spruce Hill Grange, 20378 Rte. 75 S. in Port Royal.
• Sunday worship — 10:15 a.m. and 7 p.m.
• Sunday School — 9 a.m.
• Wednesday Bible study and youth program — 7 p.m.
For more information, call (717) 527-4296.
Port Royal Lutheran Parish news
PORT ROYAL — We welcome you to worship with us each Sunday at 10:30 a.m.Port Royal Lutheran Church is located at 402 Market St., Port Royal. Care meals are delivered the first Wednesday of each month.Quilters meet each Monday at 9 a.m. For more information, call (717) 527-4152.
Services at Parkview Church of the Brethren
LEWISTOWN — Parkview Church of the Brethren.Sunday School at 9 a.m. Worship service at 10 a.m. Wednesday Bible Study at 6 p.m. All are welcome.
Centre Evangelical Lutheran Church services
MIFFLINTOWN — Centre Evangelical Lutheran Church congregation continues to meet every Sunday in the community room of the church at 9259 William Penn Hwy., Mifflintown. Social hour begins at 10 a.m. and church is at 10:45 a.m. Join us for fellowship and services.
Centre Lutheran congregation is celebrating Advent this year by giving back to our local and worldwide communities. Seafarer bags were sent to be given to those who work on ships bringing us food, clothing and items we love and enjoy. We purchased gifts for local children through the Christmas Angel Project for children who need a little more cheer during the Christmas season.
Christmas Cantata at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church
MIFFLINTOWN — This year’s Community Christmas Cantata, “A New and Glorious Morn!” (Celebrating The Life and Life of Christmas) will be performed at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024 at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, Licking Creek Rd., Mifflintown. The 60-voice volunteer choir will be directed by Mr. Kevin Cunningham, retired Juniata High School band and chorus director.Admission will be free of charge. A freewill offering will be collected to benefit the local Juniata County Food Pantry.Snow date (if needed) is Sunday, Dec. 22.
Services and events at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church
LEWISTOWN — Services and events at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 21 S, Main St., Lewistown.
On Sunday, Dec. 15, at 2 p.m., we will have a holiday concert led by Crooner and Co. Swing Band from State College. Founded in 2018 and comprising a dozen musicians, the performers pride themselves on blending standards and favorites with pop music in the swing style, serving as a bridge between the jazz vocalists of past decades and modern vocalists of today. Enjoy their rendition of holiday favorites and you will be invited to sing some of our favorite Christmas carols.
The concert will be followed by refreshments in the Parish House. While the concert is free, we will take up a collection to benefit Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard, our community food bank.
Christmas carols at Rhodes Memorial UMC
LEWISTOWN — The community is invited to sing Christmas carols at Rhodes Memorial United Methodist Church, 500 Highland Ave., Lewistown on Sunday, Dec. 15 at 3:30 p.m.Hot chocolate and cookies will follow the indoor singing. Bring a friend and your singing voice.
Advent Holy Hike at Camp Mount Luther
MIFFLINBURG — Camp Mount Luther Executive Director Chad Hershberger and Associate Director Pastor Jim Vitale will lead an Advent Holy Hike from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, on the grounds at Camp Mount Luther. The hike will be about one mile in length and will reflect on the promises of the coming Messiah and the Christmas story. Christmas refreshments to follow. For more information, email cml@campmountluther.org or call (570) 922-1587.
Christmas program at Beavertown God’s Missionary Church
MIDDLEBURG — Experience the true spirit of the season through the annual Christmas program, “The Christmas Prodigal,” Dec. 15 at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m. at Beavertown God’s Missionary Church.The program is a heartwarming story about Peri, a girl who feels like she just doesn’t belong, who rediscovers her faith and family just in time for the Holidays. Beavertown church is located at 1653 Creek Rd., Middleburg. For information, call (570) 658-2422.
Trinity Chime Choir will perform at Trinity UCC
LEWISTOWN — The Trinity Chime Choir will perform during the 10:30 a.m. service on Dec. 15 at Trinity United Church of Christ, 20 Oak St., Lewistown.
Christmas concert at Spring Run Church of the Brethren
McVEYTOWN — Spring Run Church of the Brethren, 6712 Ferguson Valley Rd., McVeytown, will host a Christmas concert Sunday, Dec. 15 at 2 p.m.Tim Dunmire and Duane Rhodes will headline with special guests Hope Gandy, Jim Kurtz and the Dunmire Men.Admission is free, but donations will be accepted to support church ministries.
HHHO food giveaway
BEAVERTOWN — Helping Hands, Helping Others, Inc. will be holding a food giveaway on Tuesday, Dec. 17 beginning at 10 a.m. in the pavilion at Beaver Lutheran Church, Rte. 522 at the west end of Beavertown.HHHO is not government funded. There are no income limits.HHHO is a 501-C3 non-profit. All donations are appreciated and can be sent to P.O. Box 151, Beavertown, PA.
Live Nativity at Middlecreek Farms
MIDDLEBURG — “The King in the Cradle,” a Live Nativity will be presented at Middlecreek Farms, Dec. 19 and 20, from 6-9 p.m., and Dec. 21 from 5-9 p.m. Step back in time with live music, animals and actors as you journey through “Bethlehem” to discover the wonder of the newborn King and the true meaning of Christmas. The Nativity is located at 134 Farmhaus Rd., just west of Middleburg. For information, call or text (570) 541-9538.
Christmas services at Strodes Mills Baptist Church
McVEYTOWN — Christmas services at the Strodes Mills Baptist Church, 8151 U.S. Hwy 522 S., McVeytown:
Sunday, Dec. 22 — 10:30 a.m., the church choir will present the cantata “Even Unto Bethlehem.”
Tuesday, Dec. 24 — 5 p.m., Christmas candlelight service.
For more information, call the church at (717) 248-9484.
Christmas Services at First Baptist Church
MIFFLINTOWN — Christmas Services at First Baptist Church of Juniata County:
Sunday, Dec. 22, 9:30 a.m. — Christmas Cantata service: “Hope Has Hands” under the direction of Rebecca Brubaker.No Sunday School this week. There will not be an 8 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. service.
Tuesday, Dec. 24, 6 p.m. — Christmas Eve candlelight service.Various musical selections and vocals along with the singing of the traditional Christmas songs and a Devotional.First Baptist is located on Rte. 35, one mile north of Mifflintown. For more information, callthe church at (717) 436-9261.
Christmas Eve service at Trinity United Church of Christ
LEWISTOWN — The Christmas Eve service at Trinity United Church of Christ, 20 Oak St., Lewistown, will be Dec. 24 at 5 p.m. with Pastor Eric Marsteller. Everyone is welcome.
Christmas Eve candlelight service at Calvary Bible Church
LEWISTOWN — The Christmas Eve candlelight service at Calvary Bible Church, 100 Calvary Ln., Lewistown, will be Dec. 24 from 6-7 p.m.
Combined Community Christmas Eve service
BEAVERTOWN — The Beavertown United Methodist Church and St. Paul’s Reformed Churches will be having a combined Community Christmas Eve service on Dec. 24 at 7 p.m.The service will be held at the Beavertown UMC, 124 N. Orange St., Beavertown.
Christmas Eve candlelight service at Grove Memorial UMC
LEWISTOWN — The Christmas Eve candlelight service at Grove Memorial United Methodist Church, 611 S. Main St., Lewistown, will be Dec. 24 at 7 p.m.
Christmas Eve service at Rhodes Memorial UMC
LEWISTOWN — The Christmas Eve service at Rhodes Memorial United Methodist Church, 500 Highland Ave., Lewistown, will be Tuesday, Dec. 24 at 8:30 p.m.
Christmas Eve service at Little Valley Presbyterian Church
LEWISTOWN — The Christmas Eve service at Little Valley Presbyterian Church, 1392 Vira Rd., Lewistown, will begin at 6 p.m. on Dec. 24. A musical recital will start at 5:30 p.m.
Grief share at Allensville Mennonite Church
BELLEVILLE — A grief share will be held every Thursday from Jan. 9 to Apr 3 from 7-8:30 p.m. at Allensville Mennonite Church. Register online at grief share.org or call Zach Knepp at (717) 437-6821 for help. Cost is free. All are welcome.Allensville Mennonite Church is located at 1156 Rte. 655, Belleville.