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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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UMC to host Bible study
LEWISTOWN -- First Bakers United Methodist Church will host a Bible study every Wednesday at 7 p.m. They will also host a youth group for individuals under age 18 on the first Thursday of each month, except July.
Schrader to host special speakers
MILROY -- Schrader United Methodist Church will host the following speakers during its 8:30 a.m. services:
• Dec. 11 -- John Hughes
• Dec. 18 -- Bradley Kauffman
• Dec. 25 -- Eric Packard
• Jan. 1 -- Dennis Hetrick
• Jan. 8 -- Molly Phillips
• Jan. 15 -- Clair Diven
• Jan. 22 -- Jack and Jackson Armstrong
• Jan. 29 -- Bobbi Kuhns
Stony Run Mission
upcoming events
McALISTERVILLE -- Upcoming events at Stony Run Mission, 2825 Evendale Hill Rd., McAlisterville:
• Dec. 10 and 11 -- Free drive-thru Live Nativity. Stay in your car and drive through Bethlehem to experience the journey that led to the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. 6 p.m.-8 p.m. each evening.
• Dec. 11 -- Christmas program at 9:15 a.m.
• Dec. 18 -- Jeremy Goodling will be sharing in a Christmas concert at 10:15 a.m. No evening service.
• Dec. 25 -- Pastor Nick Smith will be sharing in a Christmas worship service at 9:15 a.m. No evening service.
Worship services at Trinity
Lutheran Church
McALISTERVILLE -- Worship every Sunday at 9 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 420 Main St. in McAlisterville. Watch services live on Facebook or posted on YouTube Channel and website www.trinitymcalisterville.org. Social Time and Adult Sunday School are offered after worship. This Sunday, Dec. 11 is the third Sunday of Advent. Advent is a four week season where we light candles and prepare for the birth of Jesus. We will light the candles of hope, peace and joy. Next Sunday, Dec. 18, during worship the Christmas pageant led by the children and youth of TLC will be held. In Adult Sunday School we are following a Bible study based on the movie, "It's a Wonderful Life." All are welcome. Thank you so much to everyone in the community who donated to this year's Christmas Angel Project. We were able to give out presents to 147 kids in Juniata county this weekend and each family received a Blessing Bag full of cleaning products, ornaments and warm knitted hats.
Christmas Service schedule:
Sunday, Dec. 18 – Children and Youth Christmas Pageant during worship at 9 a.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 21 – Blue Christmas Service at 7 p.m. A Service of Remembrance and Hope – Honor your loss, embrace God's Hope. This service is hosted by the Juniata County Ministerium.
Saturday, Dec. 24 – Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 9 p.m. (Special Christmas music begins at 8:40 p.m.)
Sunday, Dec. 25 – Christmas Day Service at 10 a.m. All are welcome to wear Christmas PJs or Ugly Sweaters.
Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023 – Christmas Service of Lessons and Carols at 9 a.m.
Divorce care and divorce care
for kids (DC4K) kicks-off
BELLEVILLE -- Divorce Care for Adults and DC4K (Divorce Care for Kids) is currently running at New Life Church, 101 N. Beech Street, Burnham, PA and at Locust Grove Church at 3358 W. Main Street, Belleville, PA.
The Divorce Care program runs in conjunction with Divorce Care for Kids (DC4K). In Burnham, parents attending Divorce Care at New Life Church are invited to enroll their children in Divorce Care for Kids (DC4K) there while families attending the Belleville group will enroll their children at Locust Grove. Registration can be done in advance by calling the phone numbers below. DC4K is a student support group for children ages five - 12 whose families are experiencing separation/divorce.
At DC4K, kids are engaged in crafts, games, activities, DVD dramas, and music. The program is scheduled to run through Dec. 12, 2022, and will feature small groups. DC (Divorce Care) for adults is a divorce support group that meets weekly for 13 weeks to help adults recover from the pain of separation and divorce. Participants experience a warm, caring environment led by people who care and want to help attendees find healing and wholeness in the midst of their circumstances. One DC participant reported: "My life was pretty much in shambles when I began DivorceCare.
For more information and/or to register for the program at New Life Church, call or text 717-250-6852, or 717-242-1481. For the Locust Grove group, text or call 717-247-4915 or 717-437-4946. Preregister@ for either group at www.divorcecare.org.
Experience Bethlehem Village at
McVeytown Presbyterian Church
McVEYTOWN -- Ever wondered what may have happened in Bethlehem on the night of our Savior's Birth? This Advent, McVeytown Presbyterian Church, corner of Queen and John Street McVeytown, will host Bethlehem Village. Through interactive involvement, come experience the bustling village market place with Middle Eastern food samples and wares. As you travel through darkened streets, try to evade the oppressive and controlling Roman soldiers. In the midst of the hustle and bustle and the reign of the Roman soldiers, be sure to find and visit Mary and Joseph as they make their way to oblige their civic duty and register for Caesar Augustus' census of the Roman Empire. You will be entertained and moved as you experience what Bethlehem may have been like on the historic and reverenced night of Jesus' birth. The free self-guided tour will take approximately a half hour to an hour with a live nativity demonstration every 30 minutes. Saturday, Dec. 10 from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. (last tour begins at 7 p.m.). Sunday, Dec. 11 from 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. (last tour begins at 6 p.m.). For more information or questions, call (717) 899-6712 or visit the following Facebook pages https://www.facebook.com/mcveytownpresbyterianchurch or https://www.facebook.com/SpringRunCoB
Live Nativity at Bunkertown
Brethren Church
McALISTERVILLE -- A Live Nativity is coming to Bunkertown Brethren Church Saturday, Dec. 10 from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. for a walking tour of Bethlehem. Hear the Angels announce Jesus's birth and travel to the manger to greet the baby Jesus. Refreshments will be provided.
Coffee house at Ellen
Chapel Church
LEWISTOWN -- There will be a Coffee House Christmas Show at Ellen Chapel Church on Saturday, Dec. 10. The Brush Mountain Band will provide country, bluegrass, and Christmas favorites beginning at 7 p.m. After a break for a snack, the Bethel Acapella Choir will provide the music beginning at 8:15 p.m. The public is invited to attend and enjoy the music provided by these talented individuals. Coffee, iced tea, and snacks will be provided. Ellen Chapel Church is on Ferguson Valley Rd. in Lewistown.
Joy in Sharing at United Church of Christ
LEWISTOWN -- A Joy in Sharing event will be held at Trinity United Church of Christ Saturday, Dec. 10 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 11 from noon-6 p.m. The community is invited to see various Nativities, a very special Christmas tree lot and how the reindeer spend their off-season. There will be refreshments and Christmas caroling. All are welcome. Trinity United Church of Christ, corner of Oak St. and Central Ave. in Lewistown. For information, call (717) 994-1988.
The Sounds of Christmas
at United Methodist Church
BEAVERTOWN -- The Sounds of Christmas featuring the West Snyder Community Choir will be presented Sunday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. at the Beavertown United Methodist Church, 124 N. Orange St. in Beavertown. Refreshments will be served following the program. Enjoy an evening of Christmas music and carol sing-alongs.
Christmas program at Beavertown
God's Missionary Church
MIDDLEBURG -- Beavertown God's Missionary Church invites you to the annual Christmas program, "An Undercover Christmas," Sunday, Dec. 11 at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The program will run for the final time on Monday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m. Enjoy a story of God's miraculous provision at Christmas. The program includes live actors and music. Tickets are not required and seating is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. There is no cost to attend but a free-will offering will be accepted. Beavertown Church is located at 1653 Creek Road in Middleburg. For more information, call (570) 658-2422 or visit www.beavertownchurch.com.
Ernie Haase and Signature Sound at Bunkertown Brethren Church
McALISTERVILLE -- Ernie Haase and his award-winning group Signature Sound will present their Christmas concert (Jazzy Little Christmas Tour) at Bunkertown Brethren Church Thursday, Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased by calling the church office (717) 463-3572.
Christmas services at First Baptist Church of Mifflintown
MIFFLINTOWN -- Special Christmas Services at First Baptist Church of Mifflintown:
Sunday, Dec. 18 at 9:30 a.m. – First Baptist Church Christmas Cantata service. Cantata: "Star of Wonder" under the direction of Rebecca Brubaker. Note: Sunday School will be at 8:30 a.m. (this week only). There will not be an 8 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. service.
Saturday, Dec. 24 at 6 p.m. – First Baptist Church annual Christmas Eve Candlelight service. There will be various musical selections and vocals along with the singing of the traditional Christmas songs and a Devotional. Bring the entire family for this special heartwarming time of worship. First Baptist Church is located on Route 35, one mile North of Mifflintown. For more information, call the church at (717) 436-9261.
Services at Strodes Mills
Baptist Church
McVEYTOWN -- Upcoming Christmas services at Strodes Mills Baptist Church, 8151 U.S. Hwy 522 S. in McVeytown:
• Sunday, Dec. 18 -- The church choir will present the cantata The Colors of Christmas at 10:30 a.m.
• Friday, Dec. 23 -- Christmas candlelight service at 7 p.m.
• Sunday, Dec. 25 -- Christmas day worship at 9 a.m.
Call the church at (717) 248-9484 for more information.
Salvation Army scarf sale to benefit
Santa's Bookbag
LEWISTOWN -- Stop in at the Salvation Army and buy a scarf for a $3 donation. Proceeds benefit Santa's Bookbag. Hours are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m.-noon and 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Sale ends Dec. 19.
Food giveaway at Beavertown
Hillbilly Fever Carnival Grounds
BEAVERTOWN -- Helping Hands, Helping Others Inc. is holding a food giveaway on Wednesday, Dec. 21 from 10 a.m.-11 a.m. at the Beavertown Hillbilly Fever Carnival Grounds off East Sassafras in Beavertown. Always the third Wednesday in the month. Please do not arrive before 9:30 a.m. There will be plenty of food available. Volunteers are needed and should arrive at 8:30 a.m. to get organized. Any size donation is appreciated and is a 501-C3 tax donation. Send to P.O. Box 151, Beavertown, PA 17813. Not government funded. There are no income guidelines.
Candlelight service
at Juniata Memorial Park
LEWISTOWN -- A candlelight service will be held at Juniata Memorial Park Friday, Dec. 23 at 6 p.m. You and your family are invited to remember loved ones that have been lost. Those attending will be walking through the park. Dress warm. Candles along with hot chocolate and coffee will be provided at the service. If you plan to attend, please RSVP by Dec. 5 by calling (717) 437-7934 or emailing ddear@stonemor.com.
Christmas services at UMC
• Dec. 24 -- Milroy UMC at 7 p.m.
• Dec. 24 -- Reedsville UMC at 9 p.m.
• Dec. 25 -- Church Hill UMC at 10 a.m. Casual service. Wear ugly sweater or pj's.
Pastors invited to submit messages
LEWISTOWN -- The Sentinel invites area religious leaders to submit columns for "Professions of Faith" in the Sentinel's weekly religion section. Interested individuals may contact Tom Laub at living@lewistownsentinel.com or (717) 248-6741, ext. 127. Sermons should be limited to 1,000 words; exceptions may be made at the editor's discretion.